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Foreign Office Minister welcomes conviction in Congo rape trial

Foreign Office Minister Henry Bellingham welcomed the conviction of Lt Col Mutuare Daniel Kibibi and eight other soldiers for their role in the mass rape in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Minister for Africa Henry Bellingham said:

“I welcome the conviction of the senior commander, Lt Col Mutuare Daniel Kibibi, and eight other soldiers for their role in the mass rape in the town of Fizi, eastern DRC. I strongly support the Congolese government in their efforts to implement a zero tolerance policy towards sexual violence. The prompt investigation and subsequent trial and sentencing of these perpetrators sends an important message that offenders will be brought to justice and goes some way to helping their victims rebuild their lives.”

Published 23 February 2011