Hundreds of women raped and killed in Goma prison fire during rebel takeover

Hundreds of women were raped and burned alive in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, after a prison fire during a mass jailbreak. This incident occurred as Rwandan-backed M23 rebels seized control of the city on January 27. While thousands of male inmates escaped, the women's wing was set ablaze. UN peacekeepers have been unable to investigate due to restrictions from the M23. Approximately 2,000 bodies are still awaiting burial in Goma. In a surprising turn, M23 announced a unilateral ceasefire, easing fears of further territorial expansion. The group stated it has no intention of advancing towards Bukavu, despite previous military movements in that direction.