Bernard Kalume / MONUC
On Tuesday 12 August 2008, FARDC (DRC Armed Forces) commander of the 8th military region General Mayala and FARDC North Kivu commander Colonel Kahimbi invited MONUC and the press to a conference in Goma, to announce the decision of the FARDC hierarchy to fight against rape and human rights abuses perpetrated by their troops, through follow up committees which will be established within all the military regions of the country.
These follow up committees, made up of an officer of the military auditors, of an officer of the area of command and a MONUC officer will have the responsibility of: monitoring cases of human rights violations by FARDC troops; assuming responsibility for first aid; and legal assistance for the victims until the case has been judged by the courts.
In addition, they will have to draw up reports intended for the FARDC and MONUC hierarchies for possible complementary actions which may be necessary, to help eradicate the plague of human rights abuses, in particular sexual violence among FARDC troops.
As such, a major sensitization campaign is seen as essential, as the follow up committees are being formed.
The statistics of rapes perpetrated by the FADRC is a source of shame for the army, said Colonel Kahimbi.
The FARDC in the areas of Haut Congo are responsible for more than 30% of rapes in the area, while their FARDC colleagues in North Kivu are responsible for more than 26% of rapes in their areas of deployment.
For North Kivu, the follow up committee is composed of the following officers: General Mayala, Colonel Kahimbi, FARDC military auditor magistrate Kyanga Mbilika, Information officer Hamuli, and three MONUC officers (from Human Rights, Child Protection and a Contingent officer)
Meetings are envisaged twice per month within the 8th military region, but the committee can meet at any moment for an emergency.
Mr. Alpha Sow, MONUC Coordinator for the eastern region who was present at the ceremony, said: "We all are relieved and encouraged by this noble and welcome decision by the Minister for Defence and the FARDC chiefs of staff, for the respect of the human rights by FARDC soldiers. MONUC has the role of supporting any effort aimed at protecting the population, especially women and children. Our support for these committees is unconditional."