RCD seeks UN inquiry into Mwenga incident

Meanwhile, the RCD has called on the UN to send an “international and independent” team to investigate the reported torture and burial alive of 15 women in the Mwenga area of South Kivu last November. In a statement received by IRIN on Friday, the RCD said information at its disposal indicated that none of its soldiers or commanders were involved in the “tragic affair”. It said the incident occurred when the local population had accused three women of witchcraft, after which they were “subjected to physical cruelty, in accordance with local custom,” the statement said. The RCD vowed to facilitate the work of the investigators, assure their security, and take action “in conformity with the law” if any RCD elements were found responsible.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan reported to the Security Council last month that preliminary findings of the UN human rights field office had indicated the Mwenga incident had indeed taken place, but that a more in-depth investigation, with “anthropological and forensic capability”, was needed. The Security Council delegation that visited Goma on 7 May stated that it would push for an investigation into the “particularly odious” Mwenga incident.