The UN has reported a horrifying incident during a jailbreak in Goma, DR Congo, where over 100 female prisoners were subjected to sexual violence and then killed. The chaos in the city has intensified as M23 rebels continue their assault.
Tragic Consequences of Goma Jailbreak: Over 100 Women Assaulted and Killed
Tragic Consequences of Goma Jailbreak: Over 100 Women Assaulted and Killed
A devastating report reveals that more than 100 women were raped and burned alive during a jailbreak in Goma, DR Congo, amid escalating violence from M23 rebel forces.
More than 100 female inmates suffered unimaginable atrocities during a recent jailbreak in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a new United Nations report. The incident unfolded last week when hundreds of prisoners escaped Munzenze prison amid escalating violence initiated by the M23 rebel group. Initial estimates from an internal UN document indicate that between 165 and 167 women were sexually assaulted by male inmates during the chaos, with many tragically losing their lives as the prison was set ablaze.
Video footage from the jailbreak depicts frantic scenes of individuals fleeing the inferno as thick smoke billows into the air, paired with the sounds of heavy gunfire. Goma, with a population exceeding one million, has faced continuous turmoil, particularly following the swift capture of the city by the M23—backed by Rwandan support—which has left streets littered with bodies and residents in terror.
With the ongoing conflict, the UN notes an alarming death toll, estimating at least 2,900 casualties, of which many bodies remain unburied. Though the M23 declared a ceasefire for humanitarian reasons earlier this week, fresh assaults have commenced, with recent reports indicating the capture of the mining town of Nyabibwe, approximately 60 miles from Bukavu, the second-largest city in the region. Congolese authorities have mobilized numerous civilian volunteers to bolster defenses in Bukavu.
Internationally, Malawi has announced a withdrawal plan for its peacekeeping troops following the deaths of three soldiers amidst the violence. South African forces, similarly impacted, still remain committed to their mission despite 14 fatalities so far.
Residents in Goma now face additional public health crises, with fears of cholera outbreaks looming following the disruption of water access. Aid organizations report full treatment centers as they contend with the consequences of both conflict and a deteriorating humanitarian situation. As the violence continues, the plight of Goma’s citizens remains precarious and demands urgent attention.
