goma democratic republic congo eighteen people include provincial lawmaker go trial eastern congo thursday rap dozens children victims right activists say least 46 children young 18 months rap near village kavumu 2013 2016 spark international outcry criticism democratic republic congo government slow response june last year authorities arrest frederic batumike deputy south kivu province members militia allege lead right group hope trial expect last several weeks strike blow impunity congo say government force militia group lawless eastern borderland long use rape weapon war trial open military court kavumu thursday defendants face charge rape murder organization arm group jean chrysostome kijana activist represent victims tell reuters proceed begin 10 hours late last 20 minutes defendants name read aloud start trial strong signal fight impunity say kijana however add delay proceed raise fear trial could end yet another long list botch trials millions die eastern congo regional war 1996 2003 hunger disease dozens arm group continue prey local populations exploit area rich natural resources experts say congo make progress combat sexual violence several high-level militia army commanders successfully prosecute recent years problem remain pervasive accord government batumike militia employ spiritual adviser tell fighters rap young children would confer supernatural protection advocacy group involve case say particularly difficult investigate victims young families often asleep allege rap occur east congo militiamen go trial rap children