A jailbreak at Munzenze prison in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has reportedly led to horrifying reports of mass sexual violence, arson, and murder. According to a UN document, over 100 female prisoners were raped and burned alive when escaping male inmates set the prison ablaze. The jailbreak coincided with the capture of Goma by the M23 rebel group, a militia reportedly backed by Rwanda, whose advance has triggered widespread chaos.
The ongoing conflict has claimed at least 2,900 lives, with 2,000 bodies already buried and 900 awaiting burial in overwhelmed morgues. The humanitarian situation in Goma has deteriorated sharply, with a growing cholera threat due to disrupted water supplies and uncollected corpses.
The instability has prompted varying military responses from regional actors. Malawi has announced plans to withdraw its peacekeeping forces following the deaths of three soldiers, whereas South Africa has vowed to maintain its presence despite suffering 14 troop casualties. In a desperate attempt to defend Bukavu from the advancing M23 forces, Congolese authorities have begun mobilizing civilians, raising concerns about the risks of arming untrained groups in an already volatile conflict zone.
The events in Goma, DRC, raise multiple concerns under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Charter), particularly regarding human rights violations committed during armed conflicts.
The reported mass killings, including the burning alive of prisoners, constitute a grave violation of the right to life under article 4 of the African Charter. Under Article 1, the state has an obligation to fulfil these rights by protecting individuals from violence.
The sexual violence against female prisoners and other reported atrocities amount to serious breaches of the right to dignity under article 5 of the African Charter. The DRC government is required to prevent and punish such acts. Additionally, directly violate the DRC’s obligations under the Maputo Protocol, which demands the protection of women from all forms of violence.
