A harrowing UN report has revealed that more than 100 female prisoners were subjected to sexual violence and then burned alive during a mass jailbreak in the eastern Congolese city of Goma. The incident occurred last Monday when the M23 rebel group launched a takeover of the city, leading to chaos and destruction.
According to an internal UN document reviewed by the BBC, between 165 and 167 women were sexually assaulted by male inmates following the breach at Munzenze prison. The report further states that most of these women lost their lives after the inmates set the prison on fire. However, these accounts remain unverified as independent confirmations are still pending.
Jailbreak Amidst a City Under Siege
Goma, home to over a million residents, fell under M23 control following a swift and aggressive military advance backed by Rwanda. The city’s takeover was marked by heavy violence, with reports of bodies scattered across the streets and missiles flying over residential areas.
Disturbing footage from the jailbreak showed prisoners escaping amidst thick smoke and the sound of gunfire. In another video, individuals believed to be escapees were seen moving through the streets of Goma in groups.
Rising Death Toll and Ongoing Violence
The UN estimates that at least 2,900 people have lost their lives in the recent fighting. Of these, 2,000 bodies have already been buried, while another 900 remain in city morgues.
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Despite an initial ceasefire declaration by the M23 rebels earlier this week, fresh clashes erupted on Wednesday, with reports indicating that the rebel group had taken control of Nyabibwe, a key mining town approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Bukavu, eastern DR Congo’s second-largest city. As fears of further advances grow, the Congolese government has mobilized hundreds of civilian volunteers to help defend Bukavu.
International Response and Peacekeeping Challenges
The escalating violence has also impacted international peacekeeping efforts. Malawi recently announced plans to withdraw its troops from DR Congo following the deaths of three Malawian soldiers in combat near Goma. These troops were part of a regional military force led by South Africa. Despite suffering 14 casualties, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining his country’s military presence in the conflict-ridden region.
Humanitarian Crisis and Cholera Fears
As Goma residents struggle to adjust to life under M23 control, aid workers are warning of a potential cholera outbreak due to deteriorating sanitary conditions.
Stephan Goetghbuer, a regional coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), highlighted the dire situation:
“Access to clean water has been cut off for days, corpses remain in the streets, and waterborne diseases such as cholera pose a serious threat. Some of our cholera treatment centers are already overwhelmed and have had to be expanded.”
With humanitarian conditions worsening and no clear resolution to the conflict in sight, the people of Goma remain trapped in a cycle of violence, instability, and fear.
