Our team secured the Anthem Award’s gold medal in the diversity, equity, and inclusion category that was announced earlier this week. The documentary delves into the intricate proceedings of the DR Congo’s military court system as they prosecuted Sheka in a landmark case that garnered global attention.
Watch the full UN Video documentary directed by Nathan Beriro below:
Read our feature story published in July last year that accompanied the video’s release:
For 96 hours, the orders kept coming. By the end, 287 people were dead, 387 women and children had been raped, and 13 villages in eastern DR Congo had lost any sense of normalcy.
The trial of Ntabo Ntaberi Sheka was a significant, complex case for the court in North Kivu province, demonstrating how a war criminal can be brought to justice.
UN News closely examined this trial, providing insights for nations worldwide on criminal justice processes. The case also highlights the crucial role of UN peace operations in supporting national justice and security institutions.
The crimes: ‘On a scale never seen’
On 30 July 2010, armed members of the militia Nduma Défense of Congo (NDC) targeted 13 remote villages in resource-rich Walikale, embroiled in two decades of conflict.
Under Mr. Sheka’s command, the militia carried out gruesome acts, including mass violence and looting.
The warrant: Wanted for war crimes
Fleeing to safety, some victims sought help, prompting Congolese authorities to issue a national arrest warrant for Mr. Sheka. The UN Security Council added him to its sanctions list.
Through Operation Silent Valley, MONUSCO supported the safe return of residents to their villages in Walikale.
‘No choice but to surrender’
Captured, Mr. Sheka surrendered and faced charges of war crimes including murder, sexual slavery, and recruitment of children.
The trial: 3,000 pieces of evidence
UN peacekeepers aided in establishing the detention cells for Mr. Sheka and facilitated the court proceedings that spanned two years.
Testimonies from witnesses played a crucial role in the prosecution’s case, highlighting the challenges in securing victim testimonies.
The verdict: Congolese justice ‘did it’
On 23 November 2020, the Operational Military Court sentenced Mr. Sheka to life in prison, marking a significant milestone in combating impunity for war crimes.
Despite progress, the fight against conflict-related sexual violence continues in the DRC and other conflict-affected regions.
Through continued efforts, the UN is supporting initiatives to end impunity and uphold the rule of law in conflict zones.
