Mass Rapes in Congo

The article I am blogging about was found here on allafrica.com and is entitled Congo-Kinshasa: UN Seizes Leader of Rebel Group Presumed Responsible for Mass Rape. The article is explaining who was arrested for being involved in rapes and how they were involved. "Lt Col" Mayele was arrested and being held responsible for the rapes of over 300 people in Congo’s east. According to the article, the attacks took place usually after dark in the Walikale region between July 30^th and August 2^nd.  The known victims include 235 women, 52 girls, 13 men, and 3 boys, some of these victims were even raped multiple times. There were over 900 homes and 40 businesses looted and 116 people were taken captive to work in forced labor by this rebel group. There were some 200 attackers involved. The government responded quickly and arrested Lt Col Mayele ensuring that those who were involved will be held accountable for their actions.

I chose this article to blog about because it was so disturbing and really just scary. I found this article to be quite shocking because over 300 people were raped and/or sexually assaulted! It really proves what a dangerous place Congo can be, especially after dark where there are probably not lights in alot of places, especially remote places. Rebels are present in many African countries and are known for things like this, but what a massive amount of people to be affected! 900 homes looted, 300 people raped and 100 taken captive, all by 200 rebels. It’s something I can’t even imagine. 900 homes, I’m not sure if there are many more homes than that in the small town I live in. I do think it’s a positive thing that the government has responded to the event and made an arrest right away, it proves that they care and aren't just standing by and letting the rebels do whatever they want to. Those rebels need to be held accountable for what they did to all those people and homes and the government has made the right step in doing so by making an arrest of one of the rebel groups leaders and not just an individual member. Hopefully it can bring some peace of mind to those poor people affected.

I'm not sure of it's reliability, but if this video was really the translations of these men then it was really disturbing. They are discussing raping women and blaming it on being away from women too long and saying it isn't their fault. Here is the link.