Armed militants linked to Rwanda raided a prison in Goma, DR Congo, leading to a mass jailbreak and tragic violence against female inmates.
During the attack, the women’s section of Munzenze prison was set on fire, resulting in many deaths, according to UN peacekeeping chief Vivian van de Perre.
The attack happened as the M23 rebel group, which has been fighting the Congolese government, made significant advances in North Kivu province, forcing thousands of residents to flee. While thousands of male prisoners escaped, the women were unable to get out before the fire consumed their section.
The UN human rights office (OHCHR) has warned that sexual violence is being used as a weapon of war by armed groups in Goma, a city home to over one million people.
The M23 rebels, now in control of the city, unexpectedly announced a ceasefire, though concerns remain about their movements towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.
The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels and escalating the conflict, which has already displaced over six million people.
The situation remains tense, with fears of further violence if peace efforts do not hold.
