Aid workers condemn rape as a weapon of war in Congo

An increase in sexual violence and hardly any prospect of help - in the Democratic Republic of Congo, more and more women and girls are finding themselves in hopeless situations.

Women religious watch on a monitor outside the cathedral as Pope Francis leads a prayer meeting with priests, religious and seminarians Feb. 2, 2023, in Our Lady of the Congo Cathedral in Kinshasa, Congo. Catholic bishops from Europe and Africa in a joint statement May 21, 2025, warned that Africa is again becoming a "battleground for external interests," and have demanded an end to "land grabbing" across the continent. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

According to aid workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, sexual violence against women and girls is on the rise. "The systematic use of rape as a weapon of war is not only a violation of human rights, but also a targeted strategy to destabilise communities," said the country director of the aid organisation Care, Amadou Bocoum, on Friday.