Women and girls have been flogged by militiamen in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo for wearing short skirts or trousers, the government said on Saturday, vowing to punish the perpetrators.
Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde “condemned the degrading and inhuman abuses by the militiamen” from the armed Malaika group, according to a readout of a cabinet meeting published on Saturday.
Lukonde said the militia, who are imposing Islamic sharia punishments in the area under their control, had “recently flogged girls and women dressed in short skirts and trousers”.
A government delegation would be dispatched to the area – Salambila, in the eastern province of Maniema – and report back so the perpetrators could be punished, Lukonde said.
The Malaika militia, which claims to represent the interests of local people, wants the government to hand over a bigger share of revenue from the Salamabila gold mines.
It is one of several armed groups that operate freely in the volatile, mineral-rich east of the vast Central African country.
In other news – Update: Mass shooting at a birthday party in Gqeberha claims 8 lives
Eight people have been killed and another three wounded in a mass shooting in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.
Seven people were initially killed and another four wounded after two gunmen entered a house on Sunday night in the suburb of Kwazakhele, where a man was celebrating his birthday.Learn More
