Democratic Republic of Congo

SOUNDBITE: I went there to gather cassava leaves, when the soldiers arrived and grabbed me. (“Marie” Sexual violence survivor)

TEXT: WARNING. This video includes distressing descriptions of sexual violence. The name of the survivor has been changed, and her words read by an actor.

SOUNDBITE: They tore my clothes, and one after the other they raped me. (“Marie” Sexual violence survivor)

NARRATOR: Marie is one of many survivors in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where sexual violence is increasingly being used as a weapon of war.

NARRATOR: The M23, other armed groups, and Congolese government forces are raping women and girls with impunity. Cuts to foreign aid by the United States and other donors have left clinics without essential emergency health care.

SOUNDBITE: We are a one-stop center that is available at all times, open to everyone, and care is 100% free. We provide holistic care for cases of gender-based violence and sexual exploitation. We struggle with challenges such as running out of post-rape kits. (Dr. Elisabeth Furaha, Medical Director, SOFEPADI)

NARRATOR: Crucial treatments, like emergency contraception and post-exposure prophylactic kits, known as PEP kits, can provide protection against potential HIV infection, but they need to be given within 72 hours. 

NARRATOR: In eastern Congo, the US was the primary donor of these treatments. Without these and other essential supplies, clinics are struggling to provide for survivors of sexual violence.  

SOUNDBITE: We are still focusing on the need to seek medical attention within 72 hours, in order to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B, and others. 

SOUNDBITE: When I regained consciousness five hours later, I was in the hospital. The nurses were not there, so I washed myself. At 5 p.m. I was still at the hospital, and they told me for cases like mine you have to go to Bunia [the provincial capital]. So, I started to try and earn some money, and managed to get a bit [after two months]. I took a taxi which brought me here to Bunia where they found that I was pregnant and that I had contracted HIV/AIDS.

NARRATOR: Survivors of sexual violence are often stigmatized by their communities, making recovery and resilience much harder. So, it’s vital that care for survivors is holistic, including reproductive health care, abortion care, and psychological and socioeconomic support.  

SOUNDBITE: I can say that even if the conflict persists and the number of cases continues, at least the work we are doing is not a waste of time and we are helping to give courage.  

NARRATOR: So long as the war and sexual violence continue in eastern Congo, organizations supporting survivors should be given the tools and resources to address the consequences. 

NARRATOR: The US and other international donors should urgently restore funding for post-rape care and survivor services in eastern Congo.  

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Narrators: Anna Bruckner, Janet Ngokadi

Producer/Editor: Nicolas Suarez

Producer/Videographer: Patrick Thompson

Additional Footage: AFP

Music: Audio Network

TEXT: Masisi territory, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Voices of villagers
They got here today without confrontation with government forces. // They look like government soldiers!

TEXT:
This video contains disturbing images. Viewer discretion is advised.

Narrator:
These men in uniforms carrying weapons aren’t Congolese soldiers but rebel fighters from the NDC-R – one of the most powerful armed groups in eastern Congo.
The NDC-R has been responsible for countless human rights abuses, including killings, rapes, extortion, and the recruitment of child soldiers.
In 2019, the Congolese authorities ordered the arrest of the group’s brutal leader, Shimiray Guidon. But Guidon remains active on the battlefield.
Government forces have begun military operations against his faction, a new development. Human Rights Watch has obtained footage showing that until recently Congolese army units were actively supporting Guidon’s group, not opposing it.

Congolese army soldier
We believe that they [NDC-R fighters] have a good heart. // Reserve! They're like government reserve soldiers. That's the truth.

NDC-R fighter
We are on the government’s side // and we get our training from the government.

Narrator:
Here, NDC-R fighters are collecting illegal “taxes” from civilians – they’ve imposed a taxation racket in areas they control. Fighters are also seen forcing people into hard labor. 
Punishments, such as severe beatings, are used against those who refuse to comply.

Civilians: 
You wouldn’t hit me if I had money! I wouldn’t let anyone hit me if I had money!

Narrator:
Despite these serious crimes, networks in the army continued to protect Guidon and support his fighters, supplying them with guns, ammunition and equipment.

NDC-R Commander:
When it comes to ammunition, it's not a problem. We just need to make a phone call, and an [army] convoy comes over.

Narrator:
But the group has now split. Heavy fighting erupted in July as Guidon’s deputies broke away from him, and both factions have been at war since then, endangering the lives of civilians.

TEXT:
The Congolese government should step up efforts to arrest Guidon and bring him to justice. 
Army officers who have supported the NDC-R should be suspended and appropriately disciplined or prosecuted.