A dramatic prison breakout in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, has escalated into a humanitarian crisis as 4,000 inmates escaped, leaving the city in turmoil. In the chaos, hundreds of women were subjected to horrific violence, including rape and being burned alive. The city, home to over one million residents, is now under the control of M23 rebel forces. However, the identity of those responsible for orchestrating the prison breakout remains unknown.
The situation in Goma has drawn international attention as reports indicate that sexual violence is being used as a weapon of war by rival armed groups. The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has voiced concerns about the escalating violence and its impact on civilians. Despite the urgency, UN peacekeepers have been unable to access the prison to conduct further investigations due to restrictions imposed by M23 rebels.
“There was a major prison breakout of 4,000 escaped prisoners. A few hundred women were also in that prison. They were all raped and then they set fire to the women’s wing. They all died afterwards.” – Vivian van de Perre
Complicating matters further, Rwanda has denied allegations of supporting the M23 rebels or having any involvement in the conflict despite evidence suggesting otherwise. This has prompted calls for diplomatic intervention to address the situation and bring stability to the region.
“We really need to get back to the negotiating table. And that is only possible if the members of the security council and other important countries exert enough pressure on Rwanda and Congo,” – Vivian van de Perre
The deputy head of the UN peacekeeping force based in Goma, Vivian van de Perre, expressed anxiety over reports of a potential counter-attack. Reinforcements from Burundi have reportedly arrived in Bukavu, prompting concerns about further clashes.
“We already have reports that in certain places people are gathering and organising,” – Vivian van de Perre
Meanwhile, it remains challenging for UN forces to operate effectively due to limitations on their movement within areas controlled by M23.
“They [the M23] allow us to bring food and water to our bases, but apart from that we can barely move around.” – Vivian van de Perre
The strategic significance of Goma, coupled with its proximity to neighboring Rwanda, has made it a focal point in regional power dynamics. A senior UN official indicated that the conflict might be part of a broader strategy to bring the Kivu area under Rwandan influence.
“This is a long-term policy to get the broader Kivu area into the sphere of Rwandan influence and, later, under complete administrative control,” – Senior UN official
Despite the volatile situation, recent reports suggest that M23 forces may reconsider their position following the arrival of reinforcements in Bukavu. This development could alter the current trajectory of conflict.
“I hope it stays that way because they [M23] were already moving in the direction of Bukavu with reinforcements and heavy weaponry, which can be seen passing [along] the streets in Goma. If they retreat, that’s good news. Otherwise, we’ll have a new clash with potentially thousands of additional deaths.” – Vivian van de Perre
Amidst these tensions, approximately 2,000 bodies still await burial following M23's seizure of Goma on January 27. The humanitarian toll continues to rise as efforts to restore peace and provide relief face significant challenges.