from JEAN KASSONGO in Kinshasa, DRC
DRC Bureau
KINSHASA, (CAJ News) – THE number of children and women treated for sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) surged four-fold in the first half of the year as fighting worsened.
Some survivors are facing unwanted pregnancies, stigma and suicidal thoughts.
This is according to Save the Children, which reveals its staff supported 2 702 child and women survivors of sexual violence between January and July this year.
This is compared with 612 in the same period a year ago, which reflected an increase in cases of sexual violence more broadly across the volatile country.
The DRC’s Ministry of Health meanwhile reported a 16-percent increase in cases of sexual violence to about 73 400 in the first half of 2025.
Almost one third of survivors are girls aged under 16.
Greg Ramm, Save the Children Country Director in DRC, said the increase in cases of sexual violence highlighted a deeply alarming humanitarian crisis in which women and girls were paying a heavy price.
“Tragically we know that the number of cases we support is just a small fraction of the total, and that many more women and girls are left to face the lingering effects and a long road to recovery,” the official said.
Ramm said all parties involved in the conflict were obliged under international humanitarian law to protect civilians, including children from violence.
The official called on the warring parties to prioritise the wellbeing of civilians and especially children.
“When a child is sexually assaulted, it speaks to the horrifying mismatch between the right to protection they are owed in conflict and the reality on the ground.”
Various conflicts in eastern DRC, as well as attacks by different armed groups against civilians, have escalated earlier this year.
This has led to a surge in hunger, displacement, civilian casualties and cases of sexual violence.
More than 1 million people have been displaced by violence in DRC this year.
– CAJ News