Over 100 Women Raped and Burned Alive in DR Congo Prison Attack, UN Reports

The UN reports that over 100 women were sexually assaulted and killed during a violent jailbreak in Goma, DR Congo, amidst escalating conflict with the M23 rebel group. The situation remains dire, with fears of a cholera outbreak adding to the chaos.

In a harrowing account from the United Nations, more than 100 female prisoners were reportedly raped and burned alive during a recent jailbreak in Goma, a city in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The chaos erupted last Monday as fighters from the M23 rebel group began to seize control of the city, leading to a mass escape from Munzenze prison.

An internal UN document, seen by the BBC, indicated that between 165 and 167 women were assaulted by male inmates. Tragically, most of these women were killed after the prisoners set fire to their holding facility. The BBC has emphasized that it has yet to independently verify these claims.

Goma, a bustling city of over a million residents, recently fell into disarray following the M23's rapid offensive, exacerbated by alleged support from Rwanda. Eyewitness reports have emerged of body-strewn streets and missile attacks striking populated areas. Footage captured during the jailbreak clearly illustrated panic, with inmates fleeing amid rising smoke and heavy gunfire in the background. Separate visuals showed what appeared to be the escaped prisoners attempting to navigate the treacherous streets of Goma.

The increasing violence has led to devastating casualties; the UN estimates approximately 2,900 deaths, with 2,000 bodies buried and around 900 still in morgues. Despite a ceasefire being announced by the rebels on humanitarian grounds earlier this week, reports indicate the M23 has recommenced hostilities, seizing the mining town of Nyabibwe, located roughly 100 km from Bukavu, a major city in the eastern region.

As civilian volunteers rally to defend Bukavu, concerns are growing regarding the conditions in Goma. The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) warn of an impending cholera outbreak, stating that access to clean water has been compromised for days. The charity has reported that existing cholera treatment centers are nearing capacity and have been expanded to manage the crisis.

The ongoing conflict has also resulted in the death of several peacekeeping soldiers, prompting Malawi to initiate plans for the withdrawal of its forces. Meanwhile, South Africa, despite the loss of 14 soldiers, stands firm in its commitment to maintain its troop presence in the area.

As Goma's citizens adapt to life under the shadow of M23 control, the implications of this conflict continue to reverberate throughout the region, presenting critical challenges ahead.