Mass rape has been used as a weapon of war during the decades of violence that has devastated the mineral-rich east of the country. The 59-year-old gynaecologist founded the General Referral Hospital of Panzi near Bukavu in South Kivu province, scene of some of the worst violence, to treat the often appalling injuries suffered by rape victims. Their internal injuries are sometimes so severe he has to carry out major reconstructive surgery. Mukwege survived an assassination attempt two years ago after speaking out about the continued use of rape in the conflict, and accused the world of failing to act. My first patient in 1999 had been raped, then they stuck a gun into her genitals and fired. Her whole pelvis was destroyed. I thought it was the work of a madman, but the same year I treated 45 similar cases, Mukwege said last year. For 15 years I have witnessed mass atrocities committed against womens bodies and I cannot remain with my arms crossed because our common humanity calls on us to care for each other, he added
Posted on: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 01:49:37 +0000
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