U.N. reports over 150 women raped during Congo prison break

The United Nations reported that at least 165 women were raped by male inmates during a prison break in the Democratic Republic of Congo on January 27. The incident occurred amid chaos as M23 rebel fighters advanced towards Goma. The situation in Goma remains unstable, with many residents fleeing due to dire conditions. The U.N. has not been able to verify all details of the prison break due to ongoing violence in the area. M23 rebels have captured the mining town of Nyabibwe, moving closer to Bukavu. The U.N. warned that the escalation of conflict could lead to increased sexual violence as a weapon of war.