A devastating report from the UN reveals that more than 100 women fell victim to horrific acts during a jailbreak in Goma, as the rebel group M23 continues its aggressive takeover of the region, igniting fears of further violence and disease outbreaks.
UN Reports Atrocities During DR Congo Jailbreak Amid Rising Violence
UN Reports Atrocities During DR Congo Jailbreak Amid Rising Violence
Over 100 women are reported to have been raped and burned alive during a chaotic jailbreak in Goma, as conflict escalates in eastern DR Congo.
More than 100 female prisoners were raped and burned alive amid a recent jailbreak in the Congolese city of Goma, as reported by the United Nations. This tragedy unfolded following a violent takeover by fighters from the M23 rebel group, prompting hundreds of inmates to flee Munzenze prison last Monday.
An internal UN document, reviewed by the BBC, details that between 165 and 167 women were assaulted by male inmates during the chaos. After allowing for their brutal treatment, many of these women were subsequently killed in a fire set in the prison. Verification of the reports by the BBC remains pending amidst the turmoil.
Goma, a major city home to more than one million residents, has been engulfed in strife. The rapid advance of the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels has turned the city into a battlefield, with bodies visible on the streets and missiles reportedly threatening residential areas. Disturbing footage from the jailbreak captured a mass of individuals fleeing beneath a thick plume of smoke, with heavy gunfire resonating in the background.
The ongoing violence has led to significant casualties, with the UN confirming at least 2,900 deaths connected to the conflict—2,000 bodies have been interred and an additional 900 still lie within local morgues. Although the M23 announced a temporary ceasefire for humanitarian purposes, reports indicate that the group launched further offensives shortly thereafter, focusing on capturing the mining town of Nyabibwe, approximately 100 kilometers from Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern DR Congo.
In response to the escalating violence, the Congolese government has mobilized hundreds of civilian volunteers to bolster defenses around Bukavu. Meanwhile, Malawi has begun preparations to withdraw its peacekeeping troops following the killings of three soldiers in Goma. South Africa's military presence remains, despite the loss of 14 soldiers, as President Cyril Ramaphosa vows to continue support in the region.
Amidst this escalation of violence, residents of Goma face a looming health crisis, particularly concerning a cholera outbreak. Stephan Goetghbuer from the charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) warned of severe sanitation issues, with access to clean water severely restricted for days. Decomposing bodies are littering the streets, raising the risks of waterborne diseases, including cholera, with many treatment centers already at capacity and requiring expansion.
As the conflict in DR Congo deepens, the international community is urged to pay close attention to the emerging humanitarian crises alongside the rampant violence.
