Over 165 women raped in DRC prison break, UN reports amid escalating violence
Soror Shaiza | Feb 07, 2025, 00:27 IST
( Image credit : IANS )
A mass prison break in the Democratic Republic of Congo has led to the horrific sexual assault of over 160 women by male inmates, according to the United Nations. The incident occurred amid rising violence in the region as M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, continue their offensive in eastern Congo. The chaotic prison escape and the ongoing conflict are part of a broader humanitarian crisis with sexual violence increasingly used as a weapon of war.
Prison Break Sparks Chaos and Violence
On January 27, 2025, a dramatic prison break occurred at the Muzenze Prison in Goma, a city in the volatile eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The break coincided with a major advance by M23 rebels, exacerbating the already tense situation. Video footage posted online showed hundreds of inmates fleeing the prison as thick black smoke billowed nearby, accompanied by what appeared to be gunfire.
Amid the confusion and lawlessness of the prison escape, the United Nations reported that over 165 women were raped by male inmates. This disturbing incident occurred in the chaos of the prison break, highlighting the extreme dangers faced by civilians, especially women, in conflict zones. While the U.N. has yet to verify all the details due to the volatile situation on the ground, the reports from local authorities are deeply troubling.
M23 Rebels Violate Ceasefire, Continue Their Offensive
In the midst of the prison break, the M23 rebel group, which is backed by Rwanda, made significant gains in eastern Congo. The group had announced a unilateral ceasefire, but this promise quickly proved to be short-lived. Despite the ceasefire, M23 rebels advanced into the town of Nyabibwe, a strategic mining hub. Their capture of the town brings them closer to the provincial capital, Bukavu, a city they previously claimed not to be targeting.
The continued offensive by the M23 rebels has heightened tensions between Congo and Rwanda. Congo accuses Rwanda of using the M23 to loot valuable mineral resources in the region, while Rwanda insists its actions are aimed at protecting ethnic Tutsis. As the M23 moves closer to major cities, there are growing concerns that the violence could spill over into a wider regional conflict.
Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has seen sexual violence used as a systematic weapon of war. Both M23 rebels and Congolese government forces are accused of perpetrating horrific acts of sexual violence against women and girls. The U.N. Human Rights Office confirmed reports that 52 women were raped by Congolese soldiers in South Kivu, with some of the assaults described as gang rapes. The U.N. has warned that sexual violence is increasingly being used as a deliberate tool in the conflict.
Sexual violence has been a recurring issue in the region for decades, but the current escalation has brought the problem into sharp focus. The Congolese government has pledged to tackle sexual violence within the military since 2014, but reports from the U.N. show that perpetrators continue to act with impunity. The situation reflects the broader breakdown of law and order in the region, where armed groups and military forces seem to operate without fear of consequences.
Rising Toll on Civilians and Survivors
The humanitarian crisis in the DRC has reached unprecedented levels, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. In 2023, the organization Doctors Without Borders reported that it had treated over 25,000 survivors of sexual violence in the country—the highest number ever recorded. The ongoing conflict, combined with widespread sexual violence, has left countless women and girls vulnerable to physical and psychological trauma.
While humanitarian groups continue to provide support to survivors, the scale of the violence is overwhelming. Many survivors are left without adequate medical care, legal support, or social services. The situation is compounded by a lack of security and the near-constant threat of further assaults. As violence escalates, the international community is under increasing pressure to take decisive action to protect civilians and hold perpetrators accountable.
International Call for Accountability and Action
The United Nations and other human rights organizations are calling for greater accountability for the violence in eastern Congo. Despite various peace efforts and humanitarian initiatives, the situation continues to deteriorate. Sexual violence remains a pervasive issue, with both M23 rebels and government troops using it as a tactic of war. The U.N. has urged the international community to respond swiftly and decisively to protect civilians and ensure that those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice.
However, the political and military complexities of the region make it difficult to achieve meaningful progress. The conflict is fueled by deep-rooted ethnic tensions, competition over resources, and external intervention, particularly by Rwanda. Until a lasting peace agreement is reached and the use of sexual violence is ended, the suffering of women and girls in the DRC is likely to continue. The international community must take urgent action to stem the tide of violence and support efforts to hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes.
On January 27, 2025, a dramatic prison break occurred at the Muzenze Prison in Goma, a city in the volatile eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The break coincided with a major advance by M23 rebels, exacerbating the already tense situation. Video footage posted online showed hundreds of inmates fleeing the prison as thick black smoke billowed nearby, accompanied by what appeared to be gunfire.
Amid the confusion and lawlessness of the prison escape, the United Nations reported that over 165 women were raped by male inmates. This disturbing incident occurred in the chaos of the prison break, highlighting the extreme dangers faced by civilians, especially women, in conflict zones. While the U.N. has yet to verify all the details due to the volatile situation on the ground, the reports from local authorities are deeply troubling.
M23 Rebels Violate Ceasefire, Continue Their Offensive
In the midst of the prison break, the M23 rebel group, which is backed by Rwanda, made significant gains in eastern Congo. The group had announced a unilateral ceasefire, but this promise quickly proved to be short-lived. Despite the ceasefire, M23 rebels advanced into the town of Nyabibwe, a strategic mining hub. Their capture of the town brings them closer to the provincial capital, Bukavu, a city they previously claimed not to be targeting.
The continued offensive by the M23 rebels has heightened tensions between Congo and Rwanda. Congo accuses Rwanda of using the M23 to loot valuable mineral resources in the region, while Rwanda insists its actions are aimed at protecting ethnic Tutsis. As the M23 moves closer to major cities, there are growing concerns that the violence could spill over into a wider regional conflict.
Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has seen sexual violence used as a systematic weapon of war. Both M23 rebels and Congolese government forces are accused of perpetrating horrific acts of sexual violence against women and girls. The U.N. Human Rights Office confirmed reports that 52 women were raped by Congolese soldiers in South Kivu, with some of the assaults described as gang rapes. The U.N. has warned that sexual violence is increasingly being used as a deliberate tool in the conflict.
Sexual violence has been a recurring issue in the region for decades, but the current escalation has brought the problem into sharp focus. The Congolese government has pledged to tackle sexual violence within the military since 2014, but reports from the U.N. show that perpetrators continue to act with impunity. The situation reflects the broader breakdown of law and order in the region, where armed groups and military forces seem to operate without fear of consequences.
Rising Toll on Civilians and Survivors
The humanitarian crisis in the DRC has reached unprecedented levels, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. In 2023, the organization Doctors Without Borders reported that it had treated over 25,000 survivors of sexual violence in the country—the highest number ever recorded. The ongoing conflict, combined with widespread sexual violence, has left countless women and girls vulnerable to physical and psychological trauma.
While humanitarian groups continue to provide support to survivors, the scale of the violence is overwhelming. Many survivors are left without adequate medical care, legal support, or social services. The situation is compounded by a lack of security and the near-constant threat of further assaults. As violence escalates, the international community is under increasing pressure to take decisive action to protect civilians and hold perpetrators accountable.
International Call for Accountability and Action
The United Nations and other human rights organizations are calling for greater accountability for the violence in eastern Congo. Despite various peace efforts and humanitarian initiatives, the situation continues to deteriorate. Sexual violence remains a pervasive issue, with both M23 rebels and government troops using it as a tactic of war. The U.N. has urged the international community to respond swiftly and decisively to protect civilians and ensure that those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice.
However, the political and military complexities of the region make it difficult to achieve meaningful progress. The conflict is fueled by deep-rooted ethnic tensions, competition over resources, and external intervention, particularly by Rwanda. Until a lasting peace agreement is reached and the use of sexual violence is ended, the suffering of women and girls in the DRC is likely to continue. The international community must take urgent action to stem the tide of violence and support efforts to hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes.