A jailbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has tragically ended with 129 deaths.
At a Glance
- An attempted jailbreak at Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa, Congo, resulted in 129 deaths.
- 24 inmates were fatally shot by guards’ “warning” shots.
- 59 people were injured, and there were reports of women being raped.
- The prison is overcrowded, holding over 12,000 inmates in a facility meant for 1,500.
- Rights groups and the opposition accused the government of excessive force and covering up the true death toll.
Attempted Jailbreak Ends in Tragedy
An attempted jailbreak at Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has resulted in the deaths of 129 individuals. The tragic event unfolded in the early morning hours, with gunfire reported around midnight, continuing well into Monday. The breakout attempt was plotted from inside the prison, with no signs of forced entry.
This disaster underscores significant shortcomings within the Congolese penal system. 24 inmates were fatally shot by guards while 59 others were injured. Amid the chaos, there have been distressing reports of women being raped. The massive scale of casualties and critical injuries highlights the perilous conditions prevailing within the prison walls.
At least 129 people have been killed in an attempted jailbreak at DR Congo's main prison, largely due to a stampede, authorities said. https://t.co/26bQfdHOS2
— DW News (@dwnews) September 3, 2024
Overcrowding and Deplorable Conditions
Makala Central Prison was originally designed to house around 1,500 inmates. However, it is currently holding between 12,000 to 15,000 prisoners, creating a breeding ground for such catastrophic events. Inmates at Makala face abysmal living conditions, grappling with inadequate bedding, poor sanitation, and insufficient food. These harsh conditions have compounded frustrations, leading to frequent unrest.
“its intended capacity is 1,500 people but it holds at least 15,000” – Samuel Mbemba
The September 2017 jailbreak at Makala, one of the most notable prior attempts, eerily mirrors the current situation, though with a heightened death toll. Rights organizations frequently decry the “deplorable and inhumane” conditions within the prison. Emmanuel Cole, a defender of prisoners’ rights, warned that Makala is on the brink of revolt if reforms are not urgently implemented.
Government Response and Promises
Government authorities have convened a panel to investigate this deadly incident. Justice Minister Constant Mutamba has labeled the jailbreak as a “premeditated act of sabotage,” promising a stern government response. Officials have undertaken efforts to address the chronic overcrowding issues by banning further inmate transfers to Makala and planning the construction of a new prison.
“Makala is a real chaos (and) every day is a battle for life,”
Security measures have been visibly increased around Kinshasa, with reports of heavy police presence and cordoning off streets near the prison. Witnesses have seen security forces removing bodies from the scene, triggering further dismay among local residents. Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya has reassured the public that the situation is “under control.” However, eyewitness accounts and videos online paint a grim picture of the aftermath.
Calls for Immediate Reform
As the Democratic Republic of the Congo grapples with the fallout of this disaster, human rights organizations and local activists are demanding thorough investigations and extensive reforms. The Voice of the Voiceless and citizen movement Lucha have called for independent probes to uncover the complete truth behind the incident. Meanwhile, President Felix Tshisekedi remains engaged abroad, highlighting a need for domestic focus on systemic prison reforms.
“The conditions are deplorable,” Emmanuel Cole, a defender of prisoners’ rights who regularly visits the prisons, told AFP.
As Congolese citizens await the outcome of these investigations, one thing remains clear: the current state of the country’s penal system requires immediate and substantial reforms to prevent future tragedies. The developments at Makala Central Prison serve as a somber reminder of the urgent need to overhaul a flawed and overcrowded system that endangers both inmates and the broader community.
