Avellon Williams
Kinshasa, DR Congo – In a shocking incident that has rocked the Democratic Republic of Congo, at least 129 people have lost their lives in a failed mass escape attempt from the country’s largest prison. The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Monday at Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa, the nation’s capital.
Casualties and Chaos
Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo provided a grim breakdown of the casualties:
▪ 24 inmates were shot dead after warning shots were fired
▪ The majority died from suffocation or were crushed in a stampede
▪ 59 people were wounded and are currently receiving medical care
▪ Several women were reportedly raped during the chaos
The attempted jailbreak led to significant damage within the prison. A fire broke out in the administrative building, food depots, and hospital. Gunfire was heard intermittently, starting around 2:00 AM and lasting for several hours.
Overcrowding Crisis
Makala prison has long been plagued by severe overcrowding:
▪ The facility is designed to house 1,500 inmates but currently holds between 14,000 and 15,000 prisoners
▪ Rights organizations regularly complain about the deplorable conditions of detention
▪ Emmanuel Cole, a defender of prisoners’ rights, warned of a possible “revolt” in the prison
Government Response
The Congolese government has taken several steps in response to the incident:
▪ Authorities claim the situation is now “under control”
▪ An investigation has been launched to identify and punish those responsible
▪ The transfer of inmates to Makala prison has been suspended until further notice
▪ Justice Minister Constant Mutamba announced plans to accelerate the construction of a new facility on the outskirts of Kinshasa
This tragic event has sparked calls for urgent prison reform and improved safety protocols in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As the nation grapples with the aftermath, questions arise about the conditions that led to such a desperate attempt and the measures needed to prevent future occurrences.
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