African country seen as being hell on earth amid killings, sexual violence and war
The Democratic Republic of Congo is a country that is facing immense challenges, particularly for women and Christians. It is a place where danger lurks around every corner, with disease running rampant and children as young as 4 being forced to work in mines. This African nation, despite being 95% Christian, is also facing threats from jihadists who are targeting the faithful.
Just last month, Islamist ADF terrorists carried out a horrific attack by rounding up 70 Christians and beheading them in a church. The militants are reportedly seeking to establish a Muslim Caliphate in the eastern part of the country. This brutal incident is just one of many that have left the Christian community in fear and mourning.
Women in the DRC are also under constant threat, with reports showing a staggering number of rape cases. According to the U.N., 895 cases of rape were reported in just the last two weeks of February, averaging more than 60 cases per day. Sexual violence and human rights abuses are rampant in the eastern part of the country, where women live in constant fear of violence and abuse.
The situation in the DRC is further compounded by the ongoing conflict that has displaced hundreds of thousands of people, with many fleeing to neighboring countries to escape the violence. Rebel groups, often backed by foreign actors, are engaged in a brutal war that has claimed thousands of lives and left many more vulnerable to disease and exploitation.
One of the major drivers of conflict in the DRC is the control of critical minerals, with rebel groups vying for control of lucrative mines. The country is a major producer of cobalt, with an estimated 70% of the world’s cobalt coming from the DRC. Children as young as 4 are reportedly being forced to work in these mines, facing extreme exploitation and abuse.
Despite international outcry, the exploitation of children in the DRC continues unabated. The country has a long history of being pillaged for its rich natural resources, with corrupt individuals seeking to profit at the expense of innocent women, men, and children. The Trump administration has been urged to take action to address these issues, from counter-terrorism efforts to promoting good governance in the region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is a country in crisis, with its people facing unimaginable hardships on a daily basis. It is a place where danger, disease, and exploitation are ever-present threats, leaving its most vulnerable citizens in a constant state of fear and insecurity.
