Despair and Survival: The Harrowing Story of Women in Munzenze Prison

Survivors of a recent prison break in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, recount a harrowing ordeal when chaos erupted as M23 rebels advanced. Women prisoners faced horrific violence, including multiple rapes, and many lost their lives in a devastating fire, highlighting a complete breakdown of authority and safety.

In the early hours of January 27th, chaos erupted in Munzenze prison in Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. As M23 rebels advanced through the region, a violent jailbreak resulted in horrific consequences for the female inmates. Survivors have begun to share their profoundly disturbing accounts of the events, which left many women facing life-threatening violence and death.

Pascaline, 22, recalled the moment she was violently raped in the prison by two men who climbed over from the adjacent male block. As chaos unfolded, she did not feel she could escape for fear of losing her life. With panic surrounding them, the prison guards fled, leaving the women to face a horrifying fate alone. While approximately 4,000 male inmates escaped, many women remained trapped inside.

Amidst the pandemonium, a fire broke out — reportedly ignited by male inmates seeking escape. Shockingly, reports suggest that 132 female prisoners and a minimum of 25 children succumbed to the blaze or were lost to violence that night, with UN officials stating at least 153 women perished. Survivors like Nadine cannot shake the traumatic memories, repeating visions of the dead in her dreams due to the nightmarish events they endured.

Nadine expressed her anger towards the authorities for imprisoning her over a debt and then failing to ensure her safety. Meanwhile, the government's control in Goma appears non-existent as rebels consolidate power over the area. A sense of betrayal and lost faith in justice permeates these women’s narratives.

One unidentified survivor, Florence, recounted the frantic hours as bullets and tear gas rained down on them, worsening the already desperate conditions and contributing to the death toll. She criticized the prison's lack of response to the lowly astating situation, leading to unnecessary suffering and loss of life.

After what seemed like an eternity, the prison door was finally opened at 11 AM, but for those who emerged, help was not forthcoming. They found themselves abandoned in the chaos of a city now under rebel control.

The tragedy is encapsulated in the stories of survivors like Sifa, whose two-year-old daughter died amidst the upheaval, and speaks volumes about the persistent neglect faced by women in dire situations. Local and governmental entities appear unreceptive to their plight, leaving a haunting gap in accountability and support for survivors of such atrocities.

As investigations remain absent, survivors like Sifa express their fears that no one will pursue justice for the crimes committed that night. The story of Munzenze prison stands as a dark testament to the horrors faced by women in armed conflict and the urgent need for greater awareness, accountability, and support.