Reuters Videos
STORY: Volunteers in protective clothing were removing decomposing bodies from the Muzenze prison in eastern Congo's Goma on Monday.That grim task taking place two weeks after clashes between Rwanda-backed rebels and the Congolese army led to a mass escape from the facility.Teams from the International Committee of the Red Cross were clearing and disinfecting damaged buildings to prevent health risks.Goma resident Pacifique Mughulwa, who lives near the prison, said children had been wandering around the area, leaving them exposed to disease."Regardless of whether they are prisoners, it is truly heartbreaking. They have been there for more than two weeks. The smells are everywhere, everywhere. Truly, it is very heartbreaking."A rebel alliance spearheaded by the M23 group seized Goma on January 27.It is the worst escalation in fighting in eastern Congo in more than a decade and has left thousands dead.Despite announcing a unilateral ceasefire, the rebels have continued to march south towards the city of Bukavu.At the weekend, leaders from Eastern and Southern African blocs held an unprecedented joint summit with the aim of diffusing the crisis.The summit urged all parties to hold direct talks, though Congo has repeatedly refused to hold such talks with the M23.The first-ever summit between the two blocs reflects the continent's deep concern over the violence and the standoff between Congo and neighboring Rwanda - which denies allegations it is fueling the conflict with its own troops and weapons.