More than 120 people have lost their lives in a tragic incident at the Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The attempted mass breakout occurred in the early hours of Monday, resulting in a devastating toll of 129 fatalities, with 24 individuals shot dead and others succumbing to jostling, suffocation, and even instances of sexual assault.
Reports indicate that the violent breakout led to extensive destruction within the prison complex, with multiple buildings, including offices, the registry, infirmary, and food depots, being ravaged by fires. The aftermath of the incident revealed a scene of chaos and devastation, with graphic videos circulating on social media showing bloodied corpses strewn across the ground and significant damage to the prison infrastructure.
Despite the harrowing events, the government has expressed relief at the restoration of calm following the crisis. Interior Minister Bihango has initiated investigations into the incident, with a focus on understanding the circumstances that led to the deadly breakout.
The Makala prison, designed to accommodate 1,500 inmates, was severely overcrowded with over 12,000 individuals before the attempted jailbreak. This overcrowding issue has been a recurring challenge in Congolese prisons, contributing to security vulnerabilities and facilitating escape attempts.
Prison breaks are not uncommon in the DRC, with previous incidents highlighting the persistent threats faced by correctional facilities in the country. Past jailbreaks, including the 2017 breakout involving a religious sect leader and the 2020 incident linked to a rebel group associated with ISIS, underscore the ongoing security risks within the prison system.
Efforts to enhance security measures and address overcrowding in Congolese prisons remain critical to prevent future tragedies and safeguard the well-being of both inmates and staff. The recent events at Makala Central Prison serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to ensure the safety and security of all individuals within the country's correctional facilities.
