UN: Hundreds of women raped and burned alive during mass prison break in Congo

(Patria) - Hundreds of female inmates were raped and then burned alive during a prison break in Goma, Congo, the United Nations (UN) has said.

Masses of prisoners escaped from Munzenze prison last Monday, after fighters from the M23 rebel group began taking over the city.

Between 165 and 167 women were attacked by male inmates during the prison break, according to an internal UN document seen by the BBC.

The report, which the BBC has not been able to verify, states that most of the women were killed after inmates set fire to the prison.

Footage of last week's prison break shows people fleeing the building as smoke rises in the background. Heavy gunfire was also heard.

Mass jailbreak reported at Munzenze prison in Goma, eastern DRC, on Monday morning as M23 rebel group fighters moved into the city.

The prison which holds approximately 3,000 inmates was reportedly set ablaze as fleeing prisoners were seen in the surrounding streets. pic.twitter.com/Vms5v3NdXS

— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) January 27, 2025

More than 2,000 people have been killed in the conflict between M23 and Congolese forces and their allies, the government of the DRC has said.

The UN says at least 900 people have been killed and nearly 3,000 wounded. It is not known why the death tolls from the UN and the DRC differ.

Earlier this week, the rebels announced a ceasefire for humanitarian reasons, but reports of renewed fighting have emerged today.