An attempted escape by inmates at Makala Prison in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, has resulted in a tragic death toll of 129 individuals, according to government reports.
Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani stated that 24 prisoners succumbed to gunshot wounds when warning shots were fired in the early hours of Monday. The majority of the casualties were caused by suffocation during a chaotic crush associated with the breakout attempt.
While initial reports indicated only two fatalities, the situation quickly escalated, prompting a reevaluation of the casualties. Witnesses living near the prison recounted the sound of gunfire beginning around 1:00 AM, continuing until approximately 5:00 AM. Residents reported the presence of bodies being removed by security forces following the incident.
Unverified footage circulating from inside the prison depicts lifeless bodies on the ground and individuals yelling for assistance amid the turmoil. Minister Shabani later shared a video acknowledgment of the incident, confirming the high number of casualties and noting that nearly 60 individuals had sustained severe injuries and were transported to hospitals for treatment.
Shabani praised the response of security services, including the national police and military, for their quick action that helped to prevent a broader escape. However, he admitted to substantial damage resulting from the incident, including a fire impacting the prison administration offices.
Human rights organizations are pressing for an international inquiry into the events surrounding the attempted escape. Post-incident footage illustrates severe structural damage to the prison, including a significant breach in a wall and charred buildings, as emergency responders worked at the scene.
Makala Prison, originally built in the 1950s, is designed to hold 1,500 inmates but currently accommodates over 14,000 individuals, highlighting severe overcrowding issues. Reports from previous years have indicated alarming conditions within the prison, including food shortages and inadequate hygiene, with estimates suggesting that only 6% of the inmates were serving their sentences while others languished in the legal system.
The justice minister has pledged to enhance efforts aimed at alleviating overcrowding in prisons throughout the country.
