Atrocities in Goma: Over 100 Women Assumed Raped and Burned Alive Amid Jailbreak

Recent events in Goma, DR Congo, have led to alarming reports from the UN detailing the violent university violence of over 100 women prisoners, who were raped and burned alive during a jailbreak amidst escalating conflict.

Goma, DR Congo - In a horrifying incident, the United Nations has disclosed that more than 100 female inmates were brutally raped and subsequently burned alive during a jailbreak following the M23 rebel group's takeover of the city. The jailbreak, which occurred last Monday at Munzenze prison, led to the mass assault of between 165 to 167 women by male inmates, according to an internal UN document.

As the rebel group's control tightened, Goma—a city housing over a million residents—was plunged into chaos, leading to numerous fatalities in the streets and missile fire over residential areas. Footage from the jailbreak shows chaotic scenes with people fleeing amid thick black smoke, while heavy gunfire echoed through the region. Additional videos purportedly display the escaped prisoners navigating the streets of Goma amid the turmoil.

The current violence relates to an ongoing conflict where more than 2,000 casualties have already been reported as M23 clashed with Congolese forces and their allies. The government of DR Congo has stated that at least 900 people have died, while almost 3,000 injuries have been recorded, highlighting a disparity in casualty figures from the UN and government sources.

Despite the declaration of a ceasefire by the M23 on humanitarian grounds earlier in the week, reports indicate the resurgence of fighting just days later. The international community continues to grapple with the devastating implications of escalating violence in the region, underscoring the critical need for effective conflict resolution and humanitarian assistance to support affected populations.