Women raped during prison break in Congo chaos
- Mass breakout from Muzenze prison occurred amid clashes in eastern Congo, leading to severe security breakdown.
- The United Nations reported at least 165 women were raped during the chaos, highlighting a grim escalation in violence.
- The situation remains critical, with ongoing discussions among African leaders aimed at restoring peace and stability.
In late January 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo experienced a violent prison break amidst escalating conflict associated with the M23 rebel group. Following intense fighting in the eastern region, particularly around the city of Goma, a significant breakout occurred at Muzenze prison. In the chaos, male inmates took the opportunity to escape and reportedly committed sexual assaults against at least 165 women as they fled. The United Nations has raised alarms about the deterioration of security, warning that violent conditions are likely to incite increased sexual violence as a tactic of warfare by armed groups. Concurrently, as M23 rebels advanced towards Goma, they reportedly moved into mining areas, raising concerns of resource exploitation amidst their ongoing clashes with Congolese government forces. Thousands of civilians have been displaced due to the worsening situation, reaching an estimated 3,000 deaths in the violence so far, marking one of the most severe escalations in recent years. The plight of these victims has garnered international attention and condemnation, underscoring the urgent need for intervention and peace talks among regional leaders. Despite the establishment of action plans targeting sexual violence by Congolese military forces, reports indicate a lack of accountability for these crimes, indicating systemic issues remain unresolved. Leaders from several African nations are currently engaged in dialogue aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict, although skepticism surrounds the integrity and motivations of all factions involved.