Kasaï-Central: Rising sexual assaults against underage girls in Demba raise concern

About four rapes of girls aged 10 to 15 were reported between October 21 and 27 in three areas of Demba territory in Kasaï-Central. The incidents were reported in Katamba Mbelu, Tshintshiaku and the Kapinga Ngombe neighborhood. The victims are with their families, but child-protection organizations say their care is inadequate; several suspects remain at large, while one was arrested and transferred to Kananga central prison. The Synergy of Protection Organizations and the Congolese Civil Society New Society are calling for thorough investigations, stronger support and systematic reporting of sexual violence.