At least 129 individuals lost their lives during a failed prison break at DR Congo’s largest penitentiary over the weekend, according to the country’s Interior Minister, Jacquemain Shabani. The tragic incident occurred at Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa, the capital city.
In a video message on Tuesday, Shabani reported that the provisional death toll includes 24 inmates who were shot by guards after warnings. The attempted escape began early Monday morning, resulting in a chaotic and violent situation within the overcrowded prison. At least 59 people were injured, and there were also reports of sexual violence during the melee. Part of the prison was set ablaze during the incident.
Makala Central Prison, with an intended capacity of 1,500, currently houses over 12,000 inmates, according to Amnesty International. The facility, which is notorious for its severe overcrowding, has a history of jailbreaks and violent incidents. In 2017, an attack by a religious sect led to the escape of dozens of prisoners.
The prison break began around midnight, with residents hearing gunfire as the chaos unfolded. Initial reports from government officials had understated the scale of the tragedy, but subsequent videos and reports revealed a much graver situation. Some footage showed bodies on the ground and inmates transporting deceased individuals.
The prison, located about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the presidential palace, showed no signs of forced entry, suggesting the escape attempt was orchestrated from within. The deputy justice minister, Mbemba Kabuya, confirmed that the plot originated in one of the prison’s wings.
Following the attack, the area surrounding the prison was cordoned off, and a government panel was convened to investigate the incident. In response to the violence and overcrowding, Justice Minister Constant Mutamba described the attack as a “premeditated act of sabotage” and announced measures including a ban on inmate transfers and plans to build a new prison.
The government has undertaken efforts to address the severe overcrowding in prisons, including the release of numerous inmates this year. The situation at Makala highlights the critical need for prison reforms and improved conditions for detainees.
The devastating events at Makala Central Prison underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms in DR Congo’s prison system to address overcrowding and ensure the safety and dignity of inmates. The government’s response includes both immediate measures and long-term plans to prevent future incidents and improve prison conditions.