Last week, a horrific incident took place in Goma, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where more than 150 female prisoners fell victim to a devastating jailbreak. During the chaos, fleeing male inmates set fire to the prison, resulting in the rape and burning to death of these women, as reported by a United Nations spokesperson.
According to the UN Human Rights Office spokesperson, most of the 165 female prisoners who were raped by the escaping male inmates tragically perished in the fire. A small number of female inmates, between nine and 13, managed to survive the blaze, all of whom had also been subjected to sexual assault.
The incident occurred as the M23 rebel alliance clashed with Congolese forces in Goma, leading to a mass escape attempt by the male inmates on January 27. The prison break saw over 4,000 detainees fleeing the Muzenze prison, leaving the facility completely empty and in ruins.
Communications minister Patrick Muyaya condemned the barbaric crime, confirming the rape of the 165 women. This tragic event sheds light on the ongoing issue of conflict-related sexual violence that has plagued the DRC for years.
Furthermore, reports have emerged of other cases of sexual violence involving the DRC’s army and its allied forces. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is investigating allegations of 52 women being raped by Congolese troops in South Kivu, including instances of gang rape.
Amidst these distressing events, the M23 rebel group, claiming to have captured Goma, has called for a humanitarian ceasefire following clashes with government forces that resulted in nearly 3,000 casualties.
