In light of the intense conflict raging in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where M23 rebels backed by Rwanda have captured major cities in the past two months, there have been significant prison breakouts causing widespread panic among the general public. These incidents involve thousands of detainees from multiple prisons within the region, taking advantage of the security chaos as M23’s advances against the Congolese army trigger disorder and confusion.
Human rights activist Dufina Tabu Mwenebatende from the Association of Congo Volunteers expressed concerns over the prisoners’ escape, citing feelings of insecurity as a result. The rapid advance of M23 and their control over various areas led to security guards abandoning their posts at prisons, thus providing opportunities for escaped inmates.
For example, Munzenze prison in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, saw more than 4,000 prisoners escape on the night of January 27 when M23 entered the city. This breakout included instances of violence against female inmates who were reportedly raped and burned alive. Subsequently, further escapes took place in Bukavu, Kabare, and Kalemie central prisons, with the most recent being in Kalemie on February 19.
The inmates who escaped included those convicted of crimes ranging from rape and murder to insurgency and public order offenses. Security experts believe that escaped prisoners may seek revenge on their accusers, posing a renewed threat to society. Individuals who have escaped from such facilities in Goma and Bukavu have reportedly been involved in crimes, with local residents witnessing the frown.
Law enforcement in Goma and Bukavu, managed by the national police service of the DRC, ceased operations after the towns were overtaken, leaving a vacuum filled by the Alliance Fleuve Congo, a coalition of militias including M23. While promising to establish and renovate detention centers, they have also addressed the growing problem of vigilantism in the form of mob violence against suspected criminals.
Julien Katembo Ndaleni, the appointed mayor of Goma by the rebel coalition, condemned these violent actions during a security meeting, urging the populace to avoid personal retribution and to refrain from attacking innocent individuals on mere suspicion.
To date, the M23 rebels’ territorial gains represent the most severe escalation in conflicts in eastern DRC, which has resulted in approximately 7,000 fatalities and hundreds of thousands displaced, exacerbating the region’s already dire humanitarian crisis. Funding of the militia, which claims to protect minority interests such as the Tutsi people against Hutu rebel groups, is attributed to Rwanda by the DRC, the UN, the US, and other nations. Rwanda denies these allegations although UN experts indicate that Rwanda uses M23 to excavate and export valuable minerals.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/10/mass-prison-escapes-stoke-panic-in-drc-after-rebel-advance
