Femi Ashekun/
Hundreds of women were reportedly raped and killed during a mass jailbreak in Goma’s Munzenze prison last week as M23 rebels stormed the city, according to the United Nations.
Inmates escaped from the prison on January 27, as M23, a rebel group alleged to have ties to Rwanda, advanced into the city.
During the chaos, the women’s wing of the prison was set ablaze after female prisoners were reportedly subjected to horrific sexual violence.
Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Head of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Goma, described the harrowing events: “There was a major prison breakout involving 4,000 escaped prisoners. A few hundred women were also in the prison. They were all raped, and the women’s wing was set on fire. None survived.”
Images from the scene captured thick plumes of smoke rising from the prison as the attack unfolded.
UN peacekeepers, stationed in Goma to protect civilians, have been unable to further investigate the incident due to restrictions imposed by the rebels, leaving the identities of the perpetrators unclear.
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has warned of escalating sexual violence in Goma, where rival armed groups are reportedly using such atrocities as a weapon of war.
The city, home to nearly two million residents, remains under M23 rebel control.
Amid the ongoing violence, M23 rebels announced a unilateral ceasefire late Monday, citing “humanitarian reasons” and the need for aid delivery to hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians. The ceasefire, effective Tuesday, followed reports of devastating casualties in the city.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that over 900 people were killed in clashes last week between Congolese forces and the rebels.
The violence, rooted in the region’s immense mineral wealth, has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, M23 forces continue to expand their territory in eastern Congo. Reports suggest the group is advancing toward Bukavu, another provincial capital.
However, M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka denied any intention to capture the city, stating, “We have no plans to seize Bukavu or other areas. Our focus remains on protecting civilians and defending our positions.”
The Congolese government has yet to comment on the events in Goma or the ceasefire declaration.
0