UN Reports Horrifying Atrocities Following Goma Jailbreak Amid Ongoing Conflict

In a shocking revelation, a UN report has highlighted the brutal rape and murder of over 100 female prisoners during a recent jailbreak in Goma, DR Congo. The city, overwhelmed by conflict and chaos due to M23 rebel advances, faces dire humanitarian conditions as violence escalates and a cholera outbreak looms.

More than 100 women were raped and then burned alive during a jailbreak in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, as reported by the United Nations. This tragic event unfolded last Monday when fighters from the M23 rebel group launched a violent takeover of the city, leading to the escape of hundreds of prisoners from Munzenze prison. According to an internal UN document, between 165 and 167 female prisoners were assaulted by male inmates during the chaotic prison break. The report notes that many of the women were killed following a fire set by the inmates within the prison.

While the BBC has yet to authenticate these reports, the situation in Goma has become increasingly dire. As a city with a population exceeding a million, Goma experienced turmoil with widespread violence, including bodies in the streets and missile attacks over residential areas. Footage from the jailbreak displayed panic as people rushed to flee burning buildings, accompanied by the sound of heavy gunfire in the background.

The backdrop to this crisis involves extended conflict in the region, largely driven by the M23 rebel group’s advances through eastern DR Congo, reportedly backed by Rwanda. Recent UN assessments indicate at least 2,900 fatalities linked to the ongoing fighting, with 2,000 bodies buried and an additional 900 awaiting identification in local morgues. Despite a ceasefire announced by the rebels on humanitarian grounds earlier this week, fresh engagements were reported as the M23 continued its offensive, recently capturing the mining town of Nyabibwe.

In response to the escalating conflict, the Congolese government has mobilized civilian volunteers to bolster defenses in Bukavu, a key eastern city. Concurrently, the Malawi government has begun preparations for the withdrawal of its peacekeeping forces following the loss of three soldiers, while South Africa, despite experiencing fatalities among its troops, remains committed to supporting military efforts in the region.

As daily life in Goma becomes increasingly challenging under M23 control, local residents are facing the looming threat of a cholera outbreak. Access to clean water has been disrupted for days, with deaths following the violence amplifying concerns over waterborne diseases. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has confirmed that their cholera treatment centers are reaching full capacity, highlighting the impact of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the city.