By Our Reporter,
GOMA
More than 100 female prisoners were raped and then burned alive during a jailbreak in the Congolese city of Goma, according to an internal United Nations report seen by the BBC.
The attack occurred last Monday when hundreds of inmates escaped from Munzenze prison amid a violent takeover of the city by the M23 rebel group. The UN report states that between 165 and 167 women were sexually assaulted by male inmates before most were killed in a fire set by the prisoners.
Goma, a city of over a million people, has been at the center of escalating violence as M23 fighters, backed by Rwanda, executed a swift military advance through eastern DR Congo. The takeover plunged the city into turmoil, with bodies scattered in the streets and reports of missiles striking residential areas.
Footage from the jailbreak shows prisoners fleeing as thick smoke rises from the facility. Heavy gunfire can be heard in the background, adding to the atmosphere of fear and destruction.
According to the UN, the ongoing conflict has resulted in at least 2900 deaths. Authorities have buried 2000 bodies while another 900 remain in morgues across the city.
Earlier this week, M23 rebels announced ceasefire on humanitarian grounds. However reports indicate that they resumed fighting days later, capturing strategic mining town of Nyabibwe, 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Bukavu, East’s second largest city and rebels’ next reported target
In response, the government has mobilized hundreds of civilian volunteers to help defend Bukavu against the rebel advance.
The escalating conflict has prompted international concern. Malawi has announced to withdraw it’s peacekeeping forces after three of their soldiers were killed during clashes in Goma. These troops were part of a regional force led by South Africa which has suffered 14 casualties. However, President Cyril Rwamaphosa has pledged to keep his forces in the country.
Humanitarian organizations are reportedly failing to cope with the crisis.
Stephan Goetghbuer, a regional lead from Mèdicins San Frontièrès (MSF) warned against possible cholera outbreak due to inadequate access to water.
“Access to water has been cut for days, corpses have been lying in the streets and waterborne diseases such as cholera are a real threat.
“Some of our cholera treatment centres are full and have been expanded.” Goetghbuer said.
