The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has firmly expressed its commitment to holding those responsible for violence against children accountable, said Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka on Wednesday.
In an exclusive interview with Anadolu, Tuluka condemned the ongoing abuses in the country’s conflict-ridden east, particularly the recruitment of children by armed groups. She reiterated that such recruitment into the Congolese army is prohibited by law.
However, she acknowledged the troubling reports of young students and university attendees being coerced into armed groups in the eastern city of Goma. “We have followed UNICEF’s reports, which have highlighted instances of child executions,” Tuluka said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Despite the government’s efforts, Tuluka pointed out the challenges posed by the ongoing occupation of affected regions. These territories, she explained, are “arbitrarily occupied,” severely limiting the government’s ability to intervene effectively.
Tuluka expressed a strong commitment to pursuing justice for the victims. “We denounce these acts and hope that justice will prevail,” she said, highlighting the potential role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in aiding accountability efforts.
Prosecutor Karim Khan of the ICC arrived in Kinshasa this week to discuss the ongoing conflict with Congolese officials. Tuluka also noted that a UN-backed investigation could help restore rights to those affected by the violence.
The eastern provinces of DRC have long been ravaged by armed groups, with widespread reports of human rights violations, including the forced recruitment of children.
In recent days, the UN confirmed the M23 rebels had carried out summary executions of children in Bukavu, further intensifying international concern.
UNICEF also reported a sharp rise in violence against children since January 24, highlighting the dire situation unfolding in the region.
