Armed groups, terrorist movements accused of sexual violence in northern and central Mali
Bamako, Mali (PANA) - Certain armed groups and terrorist movements have been responsible for sexual violence, particularly in northern and central Mali, according to a study by the United Nations on these atrocities.
In 2018, the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) reported verified cases of sexual violence committed by non-state armed groups in Ménaka (North), but also in other regions such as Mopti (Center), Kidal (Far North), Timbuktu (North East) and Gao (North).
"Out of 22 incidents reported (2 rapes and 20 gang rapes), 12 occurred in Gao, five in Mopti, four in Timbuktu and one in Ménaka. The survivors included 13 women and 9 girls", specify the data collected by the UN Mission.
Already in 2017, the Red Cross drew attention to the worrying situation in Mali, indicating that gender-based violence, including sexual violence, increased by 33 pc between 2016 and 2017.
Hence the need for everyone's involvement, particularly in terms of awareness and justice for the victims in order to stem the phenomenon.
A report by the UN Secretary-General on sexual violence, published in March 2019, sounded the alarm.
The UN says it has observed cases of conflict-related sexual violence in 19 countries for which information has been deemed credible and verifiable.
Indeed, in many countries in conflict situations, data relating to this type of behaviour is difficult to access or verify.
Among the countries identified by the UN report in 2019 are Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Libya.
-0- PANA GT / JSG/KND/AR 23June2020
