Shocking news from the conflict zones of Central Africa: An Islamic terrorist militia has placed explosive belts on twin babies in the Democratic Republic of Congo to terrorize the population. This was reported by the representative of the UN children’s fund UNICEF in the country, Grant Leaity, in Geneva on Friday. The entire family was killed by ADF militia fighters.
According to Leaity, Islamic rebels want to intimidate the inhabitants of neighboring villages, who hear about horrors such as the one with the babies, so much that they no longer resist. The explosives should have detonated as people rushed to help the crying children.
Babies freed by explosives experts
Explosives specialists freed the month-old girls in North Kivu. They were severely malnourished, but are now doing well. They are being taken care of at a facility looking for adoptive parents, Leaity said.
“Serious crimes against children”
With this example he drew attention to the devastating situation of children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “Violence against children has reached an unprecedented level,” said Leaity. “The country has the highest rate of serious crimes against children in armed conflict.” Minors are raped and murdered, kidnapped and forced into military service, Leaity said.
In the North Kivu region alone, 38,000 cases of abuse were documented, nearly 40 percent more than two years ago. He believes these cases are just the tip of the iceberg. In the east of the country, 2.8 million minors and their families are on the run. Hundreds of thousands would become seriously ill.
“A political solution is needed”
“While the world looks the other way, we are failing the children of the Democratic Republic of Congo,” said Leaity. UNICEF needs $400 million to support families in the east of the country. However, far too few donations came in. In the long term, however, the situation can only be improved with a political solution.
The ADF (Allied Democratic Forces) has its roots in neighboring Uganda. She is said to have ties with the Central African branch of the Islamist terrorist militia ‘Islamic State’ (IS). Eastern Congo is considered one of the most dangerous and unstable regions in the world. Around 130 different armed groups are said to be active across the country. They are particularly interested in the mineral resources of the region.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
