Amidst the chaos of a prison break in Goma, DR Congo, women faced horrific sexual violence as they were left unprotected by authorities. Survivors are now sharing their harrowing experiences, emphasizing the need for awareness and accountability.
**Tragedy and Trauma: Women Face Unspeakable Violence in DR Congo Jailbreak**
**Tragedy and Trauma: Women Face Unspeakable Violence in DR Congo Jailbreak**
Desperate accounts from survivors highlight the horrors of a recent jailbreak in Goma, revealing systemic failures and violence against women.
The events unfolded on January 27 when a prison in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, was overrun during an attack attributed to M23 rebels. Amidst the turmoil, Pascaline, 22, recounted the trauma of being raped by multiple men who breached prison walls, with guards long gone. In the confusion, women faced a harrowing choice: survive by submitting to violence or risk death.
Pascaline’s memories haunt her, as she revisits the charred remains of the prison, now a painful reminder of her ordeal. Alongside her is Nadine, also 22, who vividly remembers the pain and chaos as her fellow inmates were assaulted. "Instead of saving us, they let us die like animals here," she laments. With both women imprisoned for minor offenses, their tragic tales reflect a broader systemic failure in the justice system of DR Congo.
Reports suggest that a significant number of female prisoners perished in the blaze, with at least 132 women and 25 children confirmed dead. UN officials state the death toll of women may be as high as 153. The survivors painted a stark picture of lawlessness, with many blaming prison authorities for not securing their escape or providing assistance.
Meanwhile, Florence, a 38-year-old survivor, shared that the chaos was accentuated by tear gas fired by police rather than saving those trapped within. The absence of government oversight raises questions about accountability in a country where violence against women is alarmingly prevalent and often overlooked.
As the legal system continues to fail them, survivors like Sifa, who lost her daughter in the blaze, express hopelessness in seeking justice. The stories of horror, heartbreak, and loss remain unsanctioned as calls for accountability go unheard in both the capital and amongst the rebels who have taken control of Goma. For many, the fires of that night still smolder in their memories, yet the prospect of justice remains distant.
