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Tragic Violence Erupts During Congolese Jailbreak Amid Ongoing Conflict

In a horrifying incident during a jailbreak in Goma, over 100 female prisoners were reportedly raped and subsequently killed in a fire, as confirmed by a United Nations document. The jailbreak occurred last Monday as fighters from the M23 rebel group advanced through the city, resulting in a mass escape from Munzenze prison.

According to internal UN reports, between 165 and 167 female inmates faced sexual violence at the hands of male prisoners during chaos that ensued during the breakout. Most of these women are believed to have perished when inmates allegedly set the facility ablaze.

While the details remain unverified, the severity of the situation underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. Goma, a city with a population exceeding one million, has seen violent upheaval as the M23, supported by Rwanda, has rapidly seized control in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The violence has led to a breakdown of order, with reports of bodies littering the streets and projectiles firing over residential areas. Videos captured during the jailbreak depict masses fleeing amid smoke and the sounds of gunfire.

In the wake of the M23’s military activities, it is reported that more than 2,000 individuals have lost their lives amid clashes with Congolese forces and their allies. The UN acknowledges at least 900 deaths and nearly 3,000 injured, highlighting discrepancies between their numbers and those provided by the Congolese government.

This week, the M23 declared a ceasefire for humanitarian purposes but quickly resumed hostilities, reportedly capturing the town of Nyabibwe, located around 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Bukavu, the region’s second-largest city and their likely next target.

In response to the escalating violence, Congolese authorities are mobilizing civilian volunteers to bolster defenses in Bukavu. Meanwhile, residents in Goma are contending with the grim reality of living under the influence of the M23, amidst growing concerns of a choleral outbreak.

Stephan Goetghbuer, a regional leader from Doctors Without Borders, warned of deteriorating conditions, saying, “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 centers are full and have been expanded.”

The unfolding crisis in Goma highlights not just the immediate dangers faced by civilians and prisoners alike but also the broader implications of ongoing conflict and instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a region long plagued by violence and humanitarian challenges.

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