Goma - United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon wrapped up a two-day visit to war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday, repeatedly lashing out at those responsible for the epidemic of sexual violence and rape in the vast Central African country.
Standing in the Kibati II refugee camp, 10km outside the provincial capital Goma, Ban expressed his anger and pledged that the UN would prioritise the issue.
"(This visit) has allowed me to meet with many sexually abused and internally displaced people and it has given me resolve," he said.
As many as five million people have died in the wars that have ravaged the region since 1998. Humanitarian organisations estimate that millions have fled their homes and hundreds of thousands raped.
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'I am shocked and angered by this' The Kibati II camp is home to 20 000 Congolese displaced during recent fighting in North Kivu.
On Saturday, the secretary general visited the Heal Africa hospital in Goma, the site of thousands of fistula repair surgeries for rape victims.
"I am humbled, saddened and shocked by what I have just seen," a visibly-shaken Ban said, moments after meeting rape victims inside the hospital.
The visit came mid-way through the UN leader's five nation African tour, which began in South Africa and concludes March 2 in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.
"Last Monday alone there were ten cases of rape (treated at the hospital). I am shocked and angered by this. Rape is a crime against humanity."
Ban said that he had discussed the issue with Congolese president Joseph Kabila during a private meeting Saturday, urging him to confront the "culture of impunity", that he said was rampant in the country. "Offenders must be prosecuted," he declared.
Those suspected of rape should be barred from serving in the army or the police and government leadership is required to address the crisis, he argued.
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