GOMA (CONGO): There is widespread chaos in the city of Goma after a rebel outbreak. According to United Nations report, more than 100 female prisoners were raped and afterwards burned alive inside the prison. According to international media reports, more than 160 women were sexually assaulted by male prisoners. There have also been mass prison escapes following the rebel uprising.

The city, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was attacked by the M23 rebel army, which is backed by the neighbouring Central African country of Rwanda. Amid the chaos that ensued, a mass prison escape occurred at the Munzenze prison. Vivian van de Perre, deputy head of the UN peacekeeping force in Goma, confirmed that about 4,000 prisoners, including women, had escaped. A series of rapes took place during this mass prison break.

Media reports based on UN information say that the rapes took place in the women's section and that the area was then set on fire. Footage of the incidents and attacks that took place in the prison following the rebel movement has been released. The sounds of gunfire, buildings set on fire and people screaming are all clear in the footage.

About 3,000 people have been killed in various attacks so far. Of these, about 2,000 have been buried, while about 1,000 bodies are being stored in morgues. Footage has also been circulating of several young men who escaped from prison marching through public streets. Meanwhile, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has warned that armed groups in Goma are using sexual violence as a weapon of war.

The government has also warned of the possibility of further attacks in the area. Civil volunteers have been deployed to counter this. It is estimated that thousands of people could be killed if there is another attack and clash.