A video circulating on social media shows dozens of prisoners fleeing, shouting as they run. Gunfire echoes from the prison, and thick smoke rises from the areas where fires have been set.
The escape occurred after the M23 rebel group announced that it had taken control of the city early on January 27, 2025.
It also comes against the backdrop of M23 fighters continuing to clash with DRC soldiers, FDLR, and the Wazalendo militia in various areas of Goma.
🛑A #Goma, environ 4 400 détenus ont profité de la situation sécuritaire confuse et se sont évadés de la prison centrale de Munzenze, confirment des sources pénitentiaires ce matin. Ces détenus ont incendié une partie de la prison. Bilan : au moins 1⃣0⃣ décès, dont des femmes.… pic.twitter.com/G8l9nFmIES
â€" Radio Okapi (@radiookapi) January 27, 2025
Many DRC soldiers have laid down their weapons, with some seeking refuge at the UN peacekeeping base (MONUSCO), others fleeing to the city of Bukavu through Lake Kivu, and some crossing into Rwanda.
Reports indicate that the country's military forces remain limited, with FDLR and Wazalendo fighters continuing to battle M23 in a bid to regain control of the city. The coalition of forces in the DRC has also been linked to looting in the city.
Munzenze Prison holds many individuals accused of crimes committed in eastern DRC, including those involved in activities that threaten the security of Goma.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/goma-over-4-000-prisoners-escape-from-munzenze-prison
