What began as a violent prison break quickly spiraled into an unspeakable tragedy in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Armed rebels stormed the city, leaving destruction in their wake, and reports have emerged detailing horrifying crimes against women and children within Munzenze Central Prison.

Hundreds of Women Assaulted and Burned Alive

During the chaos, rebels linked to Rwanda-backed M23 militia engaged in deadly clashes with Congolese forces.

Amid the turmoil, male prisoners seized the opportunity to escape, but the section of the prison housing female inmates was set ablaze, trapping hundreds inside.

The United Nations has reported that before the fire consumed the women’s wing, the inmates were subjected to sexual violence and then left to die in the flames.

Grim Aftermath and Rising Death Toll

Images captured in the aftermath showed thick black smoke billowing from the prison as thousands of prisoners fled into the streets.

UN officials say at least 141 women and 28 children perished inside the burning facility.

However, the exact number of victims remains unclear as peacekeepers have been barred from accessing the site.

Local reports indicate that prison guards, overwhelmed by the uprising, may have opened fire on inmates attempting to escape.

Goma Under M23 Control

The fall of Munzenze prison is just one part of the larger crisis in Goma.

The city, home to over a million people, is now fully under M23 rebel control.

As of Tuesday, an estimated 2,000 bodies still awaited burial, and reports of widespread violence continue to surface.

The United Nations has warned that rival armed groups are using sexual violence as a weapon of war, further deepening the humanitarian catastrophe.

Ceasefire Declared Amid Fears of Further Conflict

In a surprising turn, M23 rebels announced a ceasefire, citing humanitarian reasons.

However, doubts remain over their true intentions, as previous statements suggested they planned to advance further south toward Bukavu.

UN officials have expressed cautious optimism but warn that if the rebels resume their push, the conflict could escalate further, leading to thousands more deaths.

Rwanda’s Role Under Scrutiny

As tensions escalate, Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict has come under renewed scrutiny.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has remained vague about his country’s direct role in the crisis, stating only that Rwanda would take necessary actions to protect itself.

Meanwhile, international human rights groups are urging stronger measures against Rwanda, calling for sanctions to curb its influence over M23 rebels.

Calls for International Action

In response to the worsening crisis, the DR Congo’s communications minister, Patrick Muyaya, has called on the global community to act decisively.

He insists that mere condemnation is not enough and urges international powers to impose sanctions on Rwanda, holding it accountable for fueling instability in the region.

A Humanitarian Disaster Unfolds

The ongoing violence in eastern Congo has displaced hundreds of thousands of people.

Since the beginning of 2025 alone, more than 400,000 civilians have fled their homes, seeking refuge from the relentless conflict.

As international leaders deliberate their next steps, the people of Goma remain trapped in a nightmare of violence, uncertainty, and loss.

What Lies Ahead?

With M23 rebels holding firm in Goma and regional tensions running high, the future remains uncertain.

While a ceasefire offers a brief respite, it is unclear whether it will hold or if renewed fighting will plunge the city into further bloodshed.

The world watches as the crisis unfolds, waiting to see if international intervention will bring peace or if eastern Congo will continue to suffer under the weight of war.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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