> Our Office has also documented cases of conflict-related sexual violence by the army and allied Wazalendo fighters in Kalehe territory. We are verifying reports that 52 women were raped by Congolese troops in South Kivu, including alleged reports of gang rape.”
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> Our Office has also documented cases of conflict-related sexual violence by the army and allied Wazalendo fighters in Kalehe territory. We are verifying reports that 52 women were raped by Congolese troops in South Kivu, including alleged reports of gang rape.”
Terrible.
For those wondering who the Wazalendo are:
>> [The Wazalendo phenomenon emerged after the Congolese president, Félix Tshisekedi, urged young people to form vigilante groups against the M23 in late 2022. Today, a loose coalition of civilians turned fighters, as well as seasoned members of other armed groups, fall under the term Wazalendo.](https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/article/2024/may/17/goma-drc-rwanda-m23-rebels-wazalendo-militias-democratic-republic-congo)