The United Nations reports that hundreds of women suffered more casualties than men in the Goma jailbreak. after the city’s violent takeover by the M23 rebels. As at Tuesday, about 2,000 bodies were yet to be buried. The city faces an increasingly grim humanitarian crisis with mass graves filling up and heath concerns on the rise.
Jailbreak unleashes horror on women prisoners
In the ensuing crisis, thousand male prisoners managed to escape from Munzenze prison. The women prisoners did not fare too well. Hundreds of women were savagely assaulted before they succumbed to arson, as informed by United Nations’ deputy head of peacekeeping in Goma, Vivian van de Perre. Between 165-167 women were raped by male prisoners before the attackers torched the women’s section, reportedly accessed by BBC in an internal UN document.
Goma grapples with overwhelming death toll
The UN confirms that at least 2,900 people have died in the fighting conflict, while 2,000 bodies are yet to be buried. Corpses are littered on the streets as the overwhelmed authorities struggle to handle the crisis. Public health officials warn that decaying bodies coupled with lack of clean water increase the chances of diseases breaking out, cholera included.
M23 rebels still in control of Goma
M23 rebels, reportedly supported by Rwanda, retain total control of Goma. Civilians are living in fear as reports of executions, looting, and sexual violence continue to surface. After securing the city, the militia moved toward Bukavu, a city that now fears further bloodshed. Meanwhile, the coalition of the rebel groups, announced a ceasefire, but fighting resumed, with rebels seizing Nyabibwe, a key mining town 100 km (60 miles) from Bukavu.
International response
The UN Human Rights Office has condemned sexual violence as a weapon of war in Goma. Malawi announced that it will withdraw its peacekeeping troops after three soldiers lost their lives in combat. On the other hand, however, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa promised to keep his forces in the DRC even though 14 South African soldiers lost their lives. Médecins Sans Frontières decried the deteriorating health situation. “Access to clean water has been cut for days, increasing the risk of disease,” MSF regional lead Stephan Goetghbuer said.
