DR Congo Rebels Restrict Sexual Violence Care

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) on Monday condemned new restrictions imposed by rebel authorities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, warning that the rules severely limit access to healthcare for victims of sexual violence.

The medical charity reported a 41 per cent drop in survivors seeking treatment between January and August across North Kivu province.

MSF stated that the measures, introduced by parallel rebel administrations, undermine medical confidentiality and compromise survivor safety.

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According to MSF, rebel officials are pressuring healthcare workers to artificially reduce reported assault numbers by recognising only cases with visible physical injuries.

Authorities are also demanding intrusive, medically unnecessary examinations to verify claims and forcing victims to report incidents to police before receiving care within the critical 72-hour medical window.

DR Congo rebels restrict sexual violence care (News Central TV) — DR Congo rebels restrict sexual violence care. Credit: UN News

The restrictions follow recent shifts in the eastern rebellion, where former president Joseph Kabila’s Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) took operational control of the Rwanda-backed M23 movement.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.