A tragic incident at Makala Central Prison in Congo’s capital Kinshasa has left 129 people dead, with some shot by guards and soldiers, and others dying in a stampede at the overcrowded facility. Activists suggest that the death toll may actually be higher, with some estimating over 200 fatalities. Interior Minister Jacquemin Shabani confirmed that 24 inmates were shot by guards during the attempted escape, with 59 others injured and reports indicating cases of rape as well. The situation at the prison has been described as chaotic, with part of the facility burned down during the incident.
Prominent prison rights activist Emmanuel Adu Cole pointed out that the inmates had been expressing frustrations over the poor conditions in the prison, including inadequate bedding, feeding, and sanitation. Despite warnings about the deteriorating situation, authorities failed to address the concerns of the inmates. Makala Central Prison was designed to house 1,500 individuals but is currently holding over 12,000 inmates, most of whom are awaiting trial, as reported by Amnesty International. The facility has seen previous jailbreak attempts, indicating a history of security challenges.
Congolese journalist Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala, who was detained in Makala for months, described the conditions inside the prison as deplorable, with inmates facing shortages of essentials like food, water, and medical care. The situation is particularly dire for the nearly 700 female inmates and hundreds of minors, who are not treated differently from adults. Local residents reported hearing gunfire and seeing military vehicles arrive at the prison during the incident. Videos shared online showed bodies inside the prison, with some inmates carrying lifeless bodies.
Authorities have indicated that the attempted jailbreak was planned from within the prison by inmates in one of the wings. While officials have visited the facility and launched an investigation, calls for an independent inquiry have been made by rights groups and opposition figures. President Felix Tshisekedi, who was in China on an official visit at the time, has not publicly addressed the incident. Justice Minister Constant Mutamba labeled the escape attempt as premeditated sabotage and vowed to respond firmly, including a ban on inmate transfers from Makala and plans to build a new prison to address overcrowding.
The opposition has criticized the government for using excessive force during the attempted jailbreak and questioned the initially reported death toll, with some calling the situation “summary executions” that must be punished. Makala Central Prison is just one of many overcrowded facilities in Congo where inmates face dire conditions. Efforts to reduce the inmate population have seen dozens of prisoners released in recent months. The incident has once again brought to light the challenges faced by the Congolese prison system, with activists highlighting the urgent need for reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates.
