In a chilling report from the United Nations, over 150 female prisoners were brutally raped and subsequently burned to death in a prison in Goma, located in the conflict-ridden eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Seif Magango revealed that out of the 165 women assaulted by escaping male inmates during the January 27 breakout, the majority perished in the subsequent fire.
Magango confirmed that between nine and thirteen female inmates survived the inferno, yet all had been subjected to rape. He noted, “We did not independently verify the judicial official’s report ourselves, but we do consider his account to be credible.” This horrific incident took place amidst a battle for control of Goma between the M23 rebel alliance and Congolese forces, leading to a mass escape from Muzenze prison where more than 4,000 detainees fled, leaving the facility in ruins.
DRC’s communications minister, Patrick Muyaya, condemned the act, describing it as a “barbaric crime.” The event underscores the ongoing issue of conflict-related sexual violence in the DRC, a problem that has persisted for decades.
Adding to the grim tally of abuses, the UN Human Rights Office reported that it is investigating claims of additional sexual violence by Congolese troops in South Kivu, including allegations of gang rape involving 52 women. The UN is actively seeking to verify these reports.
This week, in a paradoxical move, the M23 rebels, who have claimed control over Goma, announced a call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire following a week of intense fighting that killed nearly 3,000 individuals, showcasing the stark contrast between their actions and words.
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