More than 150 female inmates raped and burned to death during Goma jailbreak in DRC, UN says

Tragedy Unfolds: Female Prisoners Raped and Killed in Goma Jailbreak

In a horrifying incident that has sent shockwaves through the international community, more than 150 female prisoners were brutally raped and burned to death during a chaotic jailbreak in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to a United Nations spokesperson, Seif Magango, the atrocities occurred when male inmates, attempting to escape, set fire to the prison. The victims, all female prisoners, were subjected to unimaginable violence before perishing in the flames.

The incident took place on January 27 during intense clashes between the M23 rebel alliance and Congolese forces over control of Goma. Chaos erupted as the rebels advanced, creating an opportunity for detainees to attempt a mass escape. Over 4,000 prisoners fled the Muzenze prison, leaving the facility in ruins and completely empty. While some male inmates were killed by prison guards during the escape, others inflicted unspeakable harm on their female counterparts.

Magango revealed that out of 165 female prisoners, the majority were raped by the escaping inmates before the fire consumed the prison. Tragically, only between nine and 13 women survived the ordeal, all of whom had also been raped. These survivors now bear the physical and emotional scars of their traumatic experience. While the UN Human Rights Office has not independently verified the judicial official’s report, Magango emphasized that the account is considered credible.

A Legacy of Violence: Sexual Abuse in the DRC

The recent atrocities in Goma are not an isolated incident but part of a long-standing pattern of conflict-related sexual violence in the DRC. For decades, women and girls in the region have been subjected to rape, gang rape, and other forms of sexual abuse as weapons of war. The ongoing conflict has created a culture of impunity, where armed groups and even state actors perpetrate these crimes with little fear of consequences.

The UN’s Human Rights Office has reported additional cases of sexual violence in the DRC. On Friday, Jeremy Laurence, a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, disclosed that 52 women were allegedly raped by Congolese troops in South Kivu, with some reports indicating gang rapes. The UN is currently verifying these allegations, which further underscore the pervasive nature of gender-based violence in the region. CNN has reached out to the Congolese military for comment on the allegations, but no response has been provided yet.

Government Response and International Outrage

In the wake of the Goma prison tragedy, the DRC government has issued a strong condemnation of the atrocities. Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya described the rape and murder of the female prisoners as a "barbaric crime" and emphasized the government’s strongest condemnation. While the statement reflects outrage, it also raises questions about the measures being taken to prevent such incidents and hold perpetrators accountable.

The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and sexual abuse in the DRC. The UN Human Rights Office is urging for a thorough investigation into these crimes and for those responsible to face justice. However, the lack of accountability in previous cases of sexual violence in the region suggests that achieving justice for victims will be an uphill battle.

Calls for Ceasefire Amidst Escalating Conflict

As the situation in Goma continues to deteriorate, the M23 rebel group has called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. The rebels claim to have captured the city, and recent clashes with government forces have resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths. The humanitarian situation is dire, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.

The ceasefire appeal comes amid growing concerns about the safety of women and children in conflict zones. Humanitarian organizations are urging all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians. However, with trust between the warring factions at an all-time low, achieving a ceasefire remains a daunting challenge.

A Plea for Justice and Prevention

The Goma prison incident and the broader context of sexual violence in the DRC highlight the urgent need for justice and accountability. While the government and international community have condemned the atrocities, words alone are insufficient to address the scale of the problem. Concrete actions, including independent investigations, prosecution of perpetrators, and measures to prevent future abuses, are essential to end the cycle of violence.

The survivors of the Goma prison fire, and all other victims of sexual violence in the DRC, deserve justice and support to rebuild their lives. Their stories serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the urgent need for peace, justice, and protection for women and girls in the region. Until these measures are implemented, the DRC will continue to grapple with the dark legacy of sexual violence that has haunted it for decades.