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