A staggering UN report indicates that during a recent jailbreak in Goma, DR Congo, more than 100 female prisoners were raped and subsequently burned alive as chaos gripped the city amid a takeover by M23 rebel forces.
UN Reports Shocking Atrocities During Goma Jailbreak in DR Congo
UN Reports Shocking Atrocities During Goma Jailbreak in DR Congo
Horrific events unfold in Goma as over 100 women are raped and killed following a jailbreak amid escalating violence.
In a heart-wrenching revelation, the United Nations has reported that over 100 female inmates were raped and burned alive during a jailbreak that occurred last week in Goma, a prominent city in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This tragic incident unfolded after a mass escape from Munzenze prison was triggered by advances from the M23 rebel group, which has been gaining ground in the region.
According to an internal UN document obtained by the BBC, the number of women assaulted during the jail break ranged from 165 to 167, underscoring the horrifying scale of violence against these vulnerable individuals. Most victims reportedly perished when male inmates set the prison on fire, creating a nightmarish scene of destruction amid the chaos.
The jailbreak occurred in the context of a broader conflict that has engulfed Goma, which has a population exceeding one million. As the M23 rebels, alleged to be backed by Rwanda, carried out a swift takeover last week, the city was plunged into complete disorder, with scenes of devastation reported, including bodies littering the streets and missiles soaring above residential areas.
Footage from the jailbreak captures the panic of individuals fleeing from the burning building, accompanied by the sound of heavy gunfire, painting a chilling picture of the pandemonium. Another video appears to show escaped prisoners moving through the streets of Goma, adding to the turmoil that has gripped the region.
Official estimates from the Congolese government report that the violence involving M23 clashes with local forces has resulted in over 2,000 fatalities, while the UN presents a lower death toll of at least 900 with nearly 3,000 injured. The discrepancy between these figures remains unclear.
Despite a recent announcement from M23 of a ceasefire on humanitarian grounds, reports of renewed fighting emerged shortly afterward, indicating that the situation remains incredibly volatile. The international community watches closely as the humanitarian crisis unfolds, raising serious concerns over the safety and rights of civilians caught in the crossfire.
