In the province of North-Kivu, a silent but nonetheless devastating crisis threatens the lives of young girls. In the past month alone, five cases of early abortions have been recorded in Goma, the provincial capital. In the Ndosho district, a young girl tragically lost her life attempting an abortion, her lover was arrested by security services.
Clarice, a nurse at the CBACA Virunga hospital, made an urgent appeal to the Congolese government to organize awareness sessions on the dangers of abortion. According to her, these sessions should also aim to put an end to the practice of fake doctors who perform dangerous abortions.
Many parents in Goma are outraged by the situation. They urge young girls and boys to be wise when they engage in unprotected sex. Is this the necessary wake-up call to spur authorities into action?
Ms. Huguette Rusabika, executive director of the organization Focus Droit et Accès, specializing in the promotion and defense of the rights of women and children, stresses that the government has an obligation to supervise unoccupied young girls. According to her, they turn to prostitution, which leads to unwanted pregnancies and, consequently, abortions that too often result in loss of human lives.
The situation is alarming and requires immediate action. The Congolese authorities must take measures to educate and protect these vulnerable young girls. Their lives are at stake. Let’s ensure this tragedy is not ignored. Time is pressing for North-Kivu.
Bienfait Tumsifu from Goma.