Hundreds of women prisoners in Munzenze prison, located in the Congolese city of Goma, were reportedly burned alive after being raped during the chaos that ensued when Rwanda-backed rebel groups entered the city last week. The M23 rebels, who are supported by Rwanda, captured Goma, a resource-rich region that has long been a battleground, especially during the deadly conflicts of 1996-1997 and 1998-2003, which resulted in millions of deaths and displacements.
The ongoing conflict has seen numerous human rights violations, including summary executions, bombings of displacement camps, and widespread reports of sexual violence and gang rapes, according to the UN Office for Human Rights (OHCHR).
During a mass jailbreak at Munzenze prison, hundreds of female prisoners were attacked in their section, and the women’s wing was set ablaze. Senior UN officials have confirmed that several thousand male inmates managed to escape, but the women’s section was targeted. Images from January 27, taken shortly after the rebels breached the city, show thick black smoke rising from the prison.
Due to restrictions imposed by the M23 rebels, UN peacekeepers have been unable to enter the prison and investigate the incident further. While details remain scarce, this atrocity is reported to be one of the worst from the recent M23-led conflict in eastern DRC.
Vivian van de Perre, deputy head of the UN peacekeeping mission in Goma, stated that around 4,000 prisoners escaped, with hundreds of women among them. The women were raped and then burned alive when the prison’s female section was set on fire. As of Tuesday, an estimated 2,000 bodies in Goma may still be awaiting burial.
In response to these atrocities, the UN Human Rights Council will hold a special session on February 7 in Geneva, as requested by the Democratic Republic of Congo. The session has gained support from 27 countries, surpassing the required third of the 47-member council. Although the council’s decisions are not legally binding, the session’s political weight could pressure governments to take action. Additionally, investigations mandated by the council may lead to war crimes prosecutions in international courts.
