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 – Big Brother Titans’ Theo and Sandra evicted
Nigeria’s Sandra and South Africa’s Theo Traw’s journey to winning the coveted grand prize of the ongoing Big Brother Titans came to an end on Sunday night. The pair fetched the highest number of nominations and became the first pair of evictees. Big Brother changed the colour of the game last week by pairing the housemates.
Sandra and Theo Traw came into the house together as new housemates during the first week. Their entrance was as entertaining as it was mysterious. Alongside Miracle Op and Blue Aiva, they entered the house in masks while the housemates were having their first pool party.Learn More
