More than 100 female prisoners were raped and then burned alive during a jailbreak in the Congolese city of Goma, according to a United Nations report.
The mass breakout occurred last Monday when fighters from the M23 rebel group launched an offensive to seize control of the city. Munzenze prison, where the assaults took place, saw hundreds of inmates escape amid the chaos.
An internal UN document, seen by the BBC, reveals that between 165 and 167 women were assaulted by male inmates during the jailbreak. The report further states that most of the victims were killed when the attackers set fire to the prison.
The BBC has not independently verified these claims.
Goma Falls to M23 Rebels Amid Widespread Violence
Goma, a city of over one million residents, fell into the hands of the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels after a rapid and aggressive military advance through eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The takeover led to widespread panic, with bodies reportedly seen lying in the streets and missiles striking residential areas.
Footage from the jailbreak showed prisoners fleeing the facility as smoke billowed in the background. Heavy gunfire could also be heard. In another video, individuals believed to be escaped prisoners were seen moving through the streets of Goma.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The United Nations reports that at least 2,900 people have been killed during the ongoing conflict. Of these, 2,000 bodies have already been buried, while 900 remain in city morgues.
Earlier this week, M23 rebels declared a ceasefire on humanitarian grounds. However, reports suggest they resumed attacks on Wednesday, capturing the mining town of Nyabibwe—about 100 km (60 miles) from Bukavu, the east’s second-largest city and a possible target for their next offensive. In response, Congolese authorities have recruited hundreds of civilian volunteers to help defend Bukavu.
International Reactions and Peacekeeping Efforts
Meanwhile, Malawi has announced plans to withdraw its peacekeeping troops from DR Congo following the deaths of three of its soldiers in clashes around Goma. The troops were part of a regional force led by South Africa, which has suffered 14 fatalities. Despite these losses, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his commitment to keeping forces in the country.
Growing Fears of a Cholera Outbreak
As Goma residents adjust to life under M23 control, concerns are mounting over a potential cholera outbreak. Access to clean water has been cut off for days, and with corpses lying in the streets, waterborne diseases pose a serious risk.
Stephan Goetghbuer, a regional lead from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), warned of worsening conditions, stating:
“Access to water has been cut for days, corpses have been lying in the streets, and waterborne diseases such as cholera are a real threat. Some of our cholera treatment centers are full and have been expanded.”
