UN HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICE IN DRC REPORTS THAT CONGOLESE AND

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000502 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM KTIP KWMN AO CG SUBJECT: UN HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICE IN DRC REPORTS THAT CONGOLESE AND ANGOLAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ARE INVOLVED IN CROSS BORDER SEX TRAFFICKING ¶1. (SBU) Summary: The UN Joint Human Rights Office reported that Congolese officials recently broke up a sex trafficking ring in Bas-Congo province. According to a local NGO, an alliance of officials from several Congolese security forces were involved in the ring and trafficked over 30 women and girls across the border into Angola's Cabinda province, selling them to Angolan military officers. Congolese officials have charged nine people with sex trafficking and began the criminal trial on May 5 in Tshela. The news of a criminal alliance among Congolese security forces is disturbing, but it is also encouraging that the government appears to have taken action to dismantle the ring. End summary. ¶2. (SBU) According to the UN Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO), the Congolese National Police (PNC) broke up a sex trafficking ring in Bas-Congo Province in February. Details have recently come to light. The racket apparently involved officials from the national police (PNC),national intelligence agency (ANR),national army (FARDC),police intelligence service, and traditional chiefs. In February, the GDRC arrested 20 males and one female in connection with the ring. ¶3. (SBU) According to a local NGO, over 30 women and girls were victims of this trafficking ring. Congolese officials allegedly trafficked the victims via the border posts of Kimbanza, Mbokoyola, Kimbilu, Mbanza-Mbemba, and Kikakumbueba in Tshela Territory of Bas-Congo Province, selling them to Angolan military officers in Angola's Cabinda Province. The Angolan military officers reportedly paid $150-$300 per girl (Note: Although the trafficking ring has only recently been exposed, local villagers implied that it has operated at the border area in Tshela Territory for the last five years. End note). ¶4. (SBU) After releasing some of the suspects, Congolese officials charged nine people, including one woman, with sex trafficking of women and girls. The remaining defendants include officials from the ANR, FARDC, police intelligence, military intelligence, and traditional chiefs. According to UNJHRO, their trial began May 5 before the Tshela Civilian Court. ¶5. (SBU) Comment: Although rumors in the past have circulated about Congolese officials participating in human trafficking, this case represents the first time hard evidence has surfaced and that officials have been charged. Due to a lack of a functioning military court in the area, these officials are being tried in a civilian court. Far from being an isolated case of trafficking, the news of a criminal alliance between several Congolese government entities is disturbing, but is not surprising given endemic corruption throughout all segments of society. A positive sign, however, is that the government, at least for now, appears to have taken action against the perpetrators. End comment. BROCK