Two Rwandan refugee women were deliberately burned alive in Munzenze Main Prison in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This heinous act was allegedly carried out by M23 rebels backed by Rwanda. These women were accused—without evidence—of being members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), despite their official refugee status. Disturbingly, even the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) failed to advocate for their safety and rights.
The Victims: Advocates for Refugees
The two women were intellectuals and vocal advocates within the refugee community in Goma. Despite restrictions, they worked tirelessly to inform and support fellow refugees. Their efforts helped refugees navigate challenges and resist manipulation. However, such individuals are often targeted by the Rwandan government, which considers every Hutu refugee unwilling to return to Rwanda as a member of the FDLR, labeling them as threats to be eliminated.
For years, these women lived in hiding, under constant surveillance by Rwandan security services. If they were indeed part of the FDLR, they would have joined the group rather than enduring such hardship in Goma. Their continued struggle to survive, unable to leave due to monitoring, highlights the grave danger they faced.
Arrest and Detention
These two refugee women, whose names are withheld for security reasons, were detained in Munzenze Prison for over two years. Despite numerous Rwandan refugees being held there, these women were particularly targeted. Rwanda had long sought to capture them, believing they were influential figures within the FDLR. Attempts to abduct and secretly deport them failed, as did multiple assassination attempts in 2021 and 2022.
Eventually, Rwanda used its influence over certain Congolese army officers to fabricate charges against them. As a result, the women were arrested in 2023 and placed in Munzenze Prison, with the intent of deporting them when the opportunity arose. However, due to internal security shifts and officer transfers, the plan was never executed, leaving the women imprisoned without charges despite repeated intervention efforts.
Burning of Munzenze Prison Women’s Wing
When M23, backed by Rwanda, captured Goma, they targeted Munzenze Prison. Upon reaching the women’s wing, they demanded the two Rwandan refugee women. Other prisoners, refusing to betray them, remained silent despite intimidation. M23 then locked the prison and set it on fire, killing over 300 women and children, including the two refugee women.
Reports indicate that before the fire, many women were subjected to rape by M23 fighters. Desperate male prisoners attempted to rescue those trapped, but their efforts were insufficient. To date, the Red Cross has been unable to reach Munzenze to recover and bury the decomposing bodies, causing a severe health hazard to the surrounding community.
Current Challenges and Concerns
The protection of Rwandan refugees in Goma and North Kivu remains a significant challenge. Both UNHCR and the Congolese National Commission for Refugees (CNR) have reportedly developed close ties with Rwanda, compromising their ability to effectively advocate for refugees.
The situation is deteriorating rapidly, especially as M23, backed by Rwanda, continues to control parts of North Kivu. With Rwandan refugees facing increasing threats, their safety and basic human rights are at risk.
Appeal for Justice and Protection
In light of these tragic events, we call upon:
- The United Nations and International Community
- Conduct an independent investigation into the deaths of these women and the burning of Munzenze Prison.
- Hold Rwanda accountable for backing M23 and facilitating human rights violations.
- Strengthen protection mechanisms for Rwandan refugees in DRC, ensuring they are not subjected to political persecution.
- The Democratic Republic of Congo Government
- Ensure access for humanitarian organizations, including the Red Cross, to recover and bury the victims.
- Strengthen security for refugees in Goma and other areas where they are at risk.
- Investigate and prosecute those responsible for the prison attack and other human rights abuses.
- Human Rights Organizations
- Raise awareness about the plight of Rwandan refugees in DRC.
- Document cases of abuse and pressure relevant authorities to act.
- Provide support to survivors and affected families.
The deliberate murder of these two refugee women is a grave human rights violation that must not go unanswered. We urge all relevant parties to take immediate action to prevent further atrocities and ensure justice for those who have perished.
Egile Kasereka, Our correspondent in Goma
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