Severe cuts to foreign-aid funding, led by the Trump administration's closure of USAID and elimination of billions in aid for Africa, have left Congolese rape survivors, including children, without crucial medical treatment like PEP kits. Sexual violence in eastern Congo has surged by 38% this year due to fighting, primarily by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel militia, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Foreign-aid cuts leave Congolese rape victims without treatment, aid groups say
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Severe cuts to foreign-aid funding, led by the Trump administration's closure of USAID and elimination of billions in aid for Africa, have left Congolese rape survivors, including children, without crucial medical treatment like PEP kits. Sexual violence in eastern Congo has surged by 38% this year due to fighting, primarily by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel militia, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Trending- 1 Last December (2024): Study interviews with displaced women around Goma.
- 2 January-February 2025: M23 militia pushed across eastern Congo, capturing Goma and Bukavu; significant increase in sexual violence.
- 3 First four months of 2025: Reported cases of sexual violence increased by 38% in DRC.
- 4 Early April 2025: 127 rape survivors in one eastern Congo hospital had no access to PEP kits.
- 5 June 10, 2025: Article published; CARE released a report on Monday (June 9, 2025).
- Congolese rape victims are unable to receive vital medical treatment
- Increased suffering and long-term health issues (HIV, depression, anxiety)
- Collapse of PEP kit supply chain
- Exacerbation of humanitarian crisis
- Increased vulnerability of displaced women
What: Foreign-aid cuts, primarily from the U.S. (Trump administration), have led to a collapse in the supply chain for PEP kits and other treatments for rape victims in Congo, despite a 38% surge in sexual violence due to M23 militia fighting.
When: This year (2025) for aid cuts and surge in violence. First four months of this year (for 38% increase). Early April (hospital in eastern Congo). January and February (M23 push). Last December (study interviews). Monday (CARE report released).
Where: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), eastern Congo, Goma, Bukavu.
Why: International funding for humanitarian groups has suffered deep cuts, particularly from the U.S. Trump administration. This coincides with a surge in sexual violence, used as a weapon of war, by the M23 militia.
How: Aid agencies like CARE and UNICEF report severe funding shortfalls, leading to lack of PEP kits and other essential services. M23 militia's offensive has caused displacement and increased sexual violence.