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Rape in Congo: 'A country sport'
Written by: Nina Brenjo
A rape victim visits Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, regional capital of South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. REUTERS\Jiro Ose
Girls as young as nine raped by soldiers, women with their insides blown apart by rifle blasts, others raped in front of their children - despite the war officially ending in 2003, this is still an everyday reality for many women in eastern Congo, playwright Eva Ensler writes in women's magazine Glamour. "They flung my baby's body on the ground like she was garbage. One after another they raped me. From that my vagina and anus were ripped apart," says Nadine, one of the women interviewed by Ensler on her recent trip to the region. Nadine witnessed the killing of her three young children and 10 friends. She was made to eat the faeces and drink the urine of one of the soldiers. Another soldier cut open a pregnant woman. "It was a mature baby and they killed it. They cooked it and forced us to eat it," says Nadine. Her ordeal is far from unique. Ensler, author of The Vagina Monologues, says she met numerous other women who had suffered similar atrocities. Bosnia, Afghanistan or Haiti, those "rape mines of the world" are bad enough, says Ensler, but they pale into insignificance compared to what's happening in Congo. She calls it "femicide" - the attempted destruction of women. The nature of the crimes - women being gang raped, in some cases in front of their children or husbands, their vaginas mutilated with guns and sticks - show that sex is being used as a cheap weapon of war, according to Dr Denis Mukwege who works at a hospital in the city of Bukavu. Women are not the only victims. "When rape is done in front of your family, it destroys everyone. I have seen men suffer who watched their wives raped; they are not mentally stable anymore. The children are in even worse condition... Clearly these rapes are not done to satisfy any sexual desire but to destroy the soul. The whole family and community are broken," Mukwege tells Ensler. The perpetrators include armed groups, soldiers, police and increasingly civilians, says U.N. rights investigator Yakin Erturk in this report by Reuters. In some cases, even the U.N. peacekeepers are involved. As Christine Schuler Deschryver, an aid worker for a German aid organisation quoted by Ensler, puts it: "All of them are raping women. It is a country sport. Any person in uniform is an enemy to women." The situation is unlikely to get better, given the United Nation's warnings about the possibility of another "all-out conflict", the Washington Post reports. An estimated 230,000 people have been displaced since the beginning of the year, generating the worst humanitarian crisis since Congo's civil war. In such circumstances, tackling rape won't be topping the list of priorities for the Congolese authorities.
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32 responses to “Rape in Congo: 'A country sport'”
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10 Aug 2007 13:37:48 GMT
I watched a film "Lumo" at the Human Rights Watch festival earlier on in the year the day the clocks turned back, and stayed to listen to the discussions afterwards. I lamented the representation of the subject as simply violence committed by men against women and the pure focus on the women victims, and applauded one of the audience making a comment about how to start addressing this issue of this particular type of gender-based violence by reinforcing the values of positive African masculinity: the instinct to protect and to look after their families. Although gender issues have much to do with this type of violence especially in relation to the direct victims who _in most cases, but not all_ are female, I couldn't help but feel that not enough is focussed on the damage this kind of violence does to those closest to the direct victim, who are as much the targets of the perpetrators, and who often include the fathers, brothers, and sons of the direct victims. Even in Darfur fathers have been tied by the testicals while subjected to the gruesome spectacle of their daughters being raped. If we look at the relation between the perpetrators and the male-victims we can understand the issue as about power and psychological warfare. And what could possibly be going through the minds of the perpetrators? What do they want to achieve? It really beggars belief the experiences they must have had to bring their hearts and minds to this very dark state.
10 Aug 2007 14:33:06 GMT
personnaly i think that is the worst thing to happen to any humain living i pore my heart to all of them for having the power to go on even thu its verry difficult all my prayers go to all those queens of life it self
10 Aug 2007 14:34:45 GMT
Why is the International Criminal Court not living up to expectations?
If it was able to bring about meaningful prosecutions (both in the Congo and Darfur)it would go a long way to end the impunity in which crimes are presently committed in these countries. The ICC has been conducting investigations into these terrible rapes in the Congo for years now without any sign of success. Their efforts in respect of Darfur are also quite unsatisfactory. What a pity! More importantly is WHY?12 Aug 2007 11:31:20 GMT
" Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." Martin Luther King Jr
Thanks Nina for adding your voice to those that are speaking out on this issue. So far the world has been pretty silent about this matter. Human Rights Watch issued a report on this in 2002 entitled " THE WAR WITHIN THE WAR -- Sexual Violence Against Women and Girls in Eastern Congo" http://www.hrw.org/reports12 Aug 2007 11:32:45 GMT
I have read a lot on this website and follow the crimes in Darfur, and I am sitting here in shock after reading this blog. Is this for real? What is going on in this world, and where is the government in all this? you say even the UN peacekeepers are complicit in the rapes? Why isn't every woman from the US, Europe, and Canada over there standing in the way of these atrocities. How could we organize this to bring it to an end? I know this may sound niave but is it not time for some solutions? i would love to hear what others think is a rational response to insane, cruel, sadistic behaviour. rape is a tool of war and is and has been for a long time and is rarely if ever talked about in the Western press, tv, or in general.
12 Aug 2007 11:41:20 GMT
The UN is so useless in its mandate that it cannot provide law and order anywhere. We are all used to the blind ineffectivness of African governments, but why is the UN just as incompetant and unable to provide security to those in most need in wars. Their own peacekeepers are involved in these atrocities and the example must be made of them first, before the rebel groups can be dealt with. Start to hang a few UN peacekeepers for their rapes and murders and the rest will learn very quickly.
13 Aug 2007 15:38:18 GMT
I AM HORRIFIED AND DESPONDENT AT THE ATROCITIES THAT ARE BEING OBTRUDED ON THESE WOMEN.I HAVE TRIED IN VAIN TO GET THEIR STORIES TOLD,UNFORTUNATELY IT HAS FALLEN ON DEAF EARS.I PRAY THAT GOD HEARS THEM AND THAT JUSTICE COMES SWIFTLY AND HARSHLY FOR THESE ANIMALS,AND TO KNOW THAT THE PEOPLE WHO ARE SUPPOSE TO BE PROTECTING THEM ARE ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS JUST ADDS MORE GRIEVANCE TO THEIR LIVES.WHAT A SHAME!NO WONDER WHY AFRICA LEADS THE WORLD IN AIDS TRANSMISSION.
14 Aug 2007 09:13:15 GMT
What can we do to help? What number do we call? Who do we write a letter to? I want to help but I don't know how. I am a woman and I have daughter and I couldn't imagine what life in the Congo must be like. They have no protection. Even those who are there to protect them are taking part in the attacks. There has to be a foundation or a government agency that can do something.
14 Aug 2007 09:13:50 GMT
WHAT CAN I DO???????
14 Aug 2007 09:17:55 GMT
These wretched men have journeyed into the very heart of darkness dragging their victims and their families with them. It is true that rape is a devastating crime for all concerned, from its woman hating center radiates an awful contempt for all life, all joy, all goodness. These men bring such variety and desecration to their attacks that one can only weep at how spiritually bankrupt they have become. The health and rights of women have lacked priority in virtually every culture; we are expendable and unimportant. Shame on the UN 'peacekeepers'. Shame on all these people. Dreadful story. How can we help? How can we apply pressure, and to whom?
14 Aug 2007 19:47:49 GMT
It's just appalling to me and everyone else how such inhumane things can go on for so long before anybody does anything.Where's the UN?what could be more important than saving the lives of these poor women and girls? I can't even imagine what human being would have the strength to carry on after all. I pray everyday that God may grant these victims peace and strength that only God himself can give.I cry inside when i read stories like that.I'm sorry to use this line but i believe strongly that had this been a western country or one them not so called 3rd world counties,people would have listened,taken action immediately..but poor africans are looked down upon to a point that people don't think that their lives are as important as any other person that's not from a poor continent.Africans did not choose to be poor.SHAME ON THE ICC,THE UN AND THE GOVERNMENTS THAT HAVE READ AND SEEN THIS AND NOT TAKEN ANY KIND OF ACTION TO HELP THESE POOR WOMAN.TURN A DEAF EAR NOW BUT SOMEDAY,THESE AFRICANS THAT HAVE SUFFERED FOR SO LONG,HAVE BEEN LAUGHED AT AND LOOKED DOWN UPON FOR NO REASON AT ALL,THEY WILL BE ON TOP...YOU JUST NEVER KNOW. I WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR ALL THE INDIVIDUALS.AAND TO ALL THE MEN THAT THINK THAT THEY CAN USE THEIR STRENGTH ON WOMEN JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE MEN,YES IF YOU ARE ONE OF THOSE MEN,YOU BETTER CHANGE YOUR WAYS.I AM SURE YOU WOULDN'T WANT ANY MAN DOING THAT TO YOUR MOTHER,DAUGHTER OR SISTER HUH?HOW DOES IT FEEL WHEN YOU ARE ABUSING YOUR WIFE?
14 Aug 2007 19:48:34 GMT
Oh my God!! I feel so blessed. We really take life for granted. It is killing me that right now some little girl or woman is being tortured. I couldn't imagine for one second what I would do if my daughter was crying out for me to help her, and I could do nothing. I just don't understand how they found Saddam in a hole, prosecuted him, and then hanged him...but refuse to stop this at any cost. My heart will be with a new group of people for now on. Defenseless and broken hearted families of the Congo, God bless you all. I'm so sorry.
14 Aug 2007 19:49:14 GMT
I am convinced at this moment that the world is coming to a quick, swift, end. I have goosebumps on my arms after reading this. How can another human being act in this manner towards another? What can be done?
15 Aug 2007 09:14:00 GMT
People of the world need to be thankful for writers like Eva Ensler's in this time of horrible treatment of wommen in the Congo. Because so many people are blinded by material things they can't see other's pain. Please all of the world really wake up.
15 Aug 2007 09:14:47 GMT
I hate to be the one to say this, but its the truth. Had these types of atrocities been happening in another part of the world, simply put, it would never happen. The commercials we see perpetuate the idea that the western world actually cares about Africa, but thats crap. In this century, the worst crimes in the world have occured in Africa and it always takes years for the situations to be even addressed by our "all powerful" UN. We spend so much money sending drugs to Africa for AIDS, but what good are the drugs if you don't have food. I am appalled, but not surprised.
15 Aug 2007 09:15:38 GMT
My heart pours out to the women of the Congo. I pray that God will soon send help and refuge to that country. I am currently a 1st year medical student who is learning Swahili and I plan to learn all of the languages of Africa because I plan to go there and help out with the Health crisis. I am a member of the one organization (www.one.org) and we are taking on the Darfur issue but I promise you that I will be emailing One.org leaders as well as my Congressman and Governor about this issue.
15 Aug 2007 09:16:17 GMT
Shame on us for not doing anything!
15 Aug 2007 09:16:35 GMT
I am sitting here with my mouth hung open. I had saw the movie Hotel Rwanda I assumed that it was all over. It's like nothing can fix that. The animals commiting the crimes are savages, and the familes that are forced to endure and witness these atrocities are scarred forever. What is this world coming to?
15 Aug 2007 09:16:35 GMT
I have been doing research on this subject and it never fails to sicken me when I read more. These men, like the Taliban, are so full of hatred and cowardice they destroy the women and children of their own community. This is the easiest way to destroy all life, leaving no one left to brutalize but each other. It is the only way they have to be absolute (the last refuge of empty souls). One small way I found to broadcast this ongoing horror is by writing a post for Google Earth Community forum, which has a very large international audience:
[url=http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb15 Aug 2007 16:59:39 GMT
Sadly we human beings continue to destroy life and ourselves without purposely understanding the consequences of the action. I feel grief and a sadness towards all who are a part of this tragedy. I also know the value of forgiveness, whereas this may be the hardest option/road to follow I believe in its power for without forgiveness hatrad, fear and anger will continue to destroy lives, homes and countries. Love and Light to all the families and homes that have suffered. If there is any other way to help, let me know or email me.
16 Aug 2007 08:21:08 GMT
How much pain, death and suffering does one have to witness or endure before committing crimes like these becomes feasible? I think it is more than just coincidence that these atrocities flourish mostly in nations of extreme poverty. I wonder then, how many of us care enough to try and change it. The west made these nations what they are. We in the West can help reverse the damage, but I suspect we value our comfort and privilege too greatly.
16 Aug 2007 18:29:22 GMT
Ah yes, a bunch of 'outraged' people asking what they can do. While it is not why this misery happens it is why it continues. Do you really think gushing about how horrifying you find this does any of those people any good? Or does it just make you feel better about yourself for being such a 'sensitive' person?
Read about the region and its history. Support the organizations who are working in those regions (MSF for an example). donate you time and skills to these organizations. START an organization that is not just about raising money. Hold your leaders responsible for their complacency. Don't wait for someone to email you for your help.17 Aug 2007 23:38:14 GMT
How strange that the BBC and the newspapers don't mention what is happening in the Conga.but over exagerate when it comes to Israel and the palistanians.
18 Aug 2007 18:34:17 GMT
Noticed Nina Brenjo's feature on Rape in Congo. It seems these days that rape is all to frequently used weapon of war. My brief is normally highlighting ways armed forces assist communities world wide with humanitarian missions, disaster relief and Search & Rescue. This month, I am including a feature in my own publication on Rape in Burma by the armed forces of the military junta: 'Parasites in Paradise' www.defenceandcommunity.com
21 Aug 2007 07:24:38 GMT
Every man and woman across this country and around the world should be standing up to make this stop! Please give me info on who to contact to participate in helping to stop this madness. Until then, I will pass on this urgent need to every person I know and meet.
This violence is not acceptable!26 Aug 2007 11:30:15 GMT
many people naturally ask: what can we do? many get angry, rightfully so, after hearing this kind of story.
the most important thing is not to overcome by the anger and not to be depressed. ...there is no need to be depressed. this woman who tells us her story demonstrates that people are strong and creative. we can turn the "poison into medicine", the anger into our driving force to build peace within. we cannot stop what is going on in Congo, and I can accept that. but that does not mean I am complacent/indifferent. with this anger I renew my determination to build peace and do what I am supposed to do today. dark side of human being--it is terrible enough to learn just by reading this article. I wonder how deep and dark it is. by recognizing both dark and positive sides of human being, we can become a strong, resilient 'self'.29 Aug 2007 07:08:53 GMT
This is what needs to be on the news instead of Paris Hilton, Sen. Craig etc. This is real news that needs attention. The U.S. troops should be there and not invading Irag. These are the people that need help.
30 Aug 2007 08:28:01 GMT
The real question what have charity donation accomplished in Africa and Congo especialy. I came myself from congo. grew up in a village opposit part. I am from the Katanga province. Some people are asking what can I do to help.
The answer is simple: give the people knowledge and tools to creat thier own weath.-13 Nov 2007 10:00:20 GMT
Does anyone know of any volunteer groups that help these women. This is so terrible.
22 Jan 2008 15:22:17 GMT
Anderson Cooper reported that 90% of the women had been raped. The horror of the kind of rape and the fact that no one can escape is just unbelievable. Yes, this is what should be on the front pages. The complexity of the politics seems daunting, but I think that the Human Rights Watch specialist says it right. Every one of us, who uses a cell phone, a computer, buys gold necklaces or diamonds, even copper are complicit in that we don't ask the shops, the companies that sell these products where the coltan, gold, copper comes from and whether they can assure us that they are not from the war zones in Africa. This is the only way to stop the resource and dollars that are fueling the war. These kinds of boycotts often punish the wrong people, the workers who are barely making a living wage digging in the mines. But the government of Rwanda, the government of the Congo, the distributors, are the people who need to be stopped. Wh! o will replace these war lords ... we'd have create some powerful international body of overseers to give the profits back to the people to rebuild their lives. The International Violence Against Women Act now in the Congress will provide some relief support for these women. I haven't read it yet, but we could ask for it to have some teeth and consesquences for the illicit dealers in goods.
13 May 2008 11:14:14 GMT
this is horrible
23 Oct 2008 10:20:21 GMT
"THE DEVIL IS IN THE CONGO"
I AM SOOOO VERY ANGRY TO BE A PART OF A WORLD THAT ALLOWS THIS TO HAPPEN, ANYWHERE AT ANY TIME!!! WHY HAS THE REST OF THE WORLD NOT ACTED YET TO STOP THIS IMMEDIATELY!! WE SHOULD ALL BE VERY, VERY, VERY ASHAMED!! BEING A MAN, AND SEEING THIS....I SURE AM! IT MAKES ME "PUKE"!! HOW COULD ANYONE DO BUSINESS OR EVEN COMMUNICATE WITH A COUNTRY LIKE THAT! YOU DON'T KNOW WHO RAPED, AND WHO DID NOT! EX-COMMUNICATE THAT COUNTRY FROM THE REST OF THE WORLD!! THEY ARE ALL GUILTY! I WISH THAT GOD WOULD TAKE ALL THEIR WOMEN AND CHILDREN AWAY OUT OF THE COUNTRY, AND THEN SHOW THE GUILTY WHERE THEY ARE GOING FOR EVER(HELL), AND WATCH THEM GO CRAZY WITH DISPAIR AND FEAR! IT'S NOT REVENGE....IT'S JUSTICE FOR ALL! I SAY NO MERCY! NUKEM! THATS WHAT THEY DESERVE! WHO'S WITH ME?!!