Jailbreak in Kinshasa Claims 129 Lives Amid Chaos

Jailbreak in Kinshasa Claims 129 Lives Amid Chaos

3 minute read
Published: 9/3/2024

At least 129 people were killed in a chaotic attempted jailbreak at Makala Central Prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where stampedes and gunfire led to numerous casualties and allegations of sexual violence.

The horrific incident, which was described by Justice Minister Constant Mutamba as a 'premeditated act of sabotage,' highlights the dire conditions in a prison that houses over 12,000 inmates despite its capacity of only 1,500. With the government now facing scrutiny over the response that led to the high death toll and reports of sexual violence, calls for an independent investigation are intensifying as the authorities plan to address ongoing overcrowding issues.

At least 129 people have been confirmed dead following the attempted prison escape, with 24 inmates perishing when warning shots were fired at the facility. Most of the fatalities occurred during a stampede, highlighting the chaotic and dangerous conditions as inmates rushed towards the prison's exit.

In addition to the fatalities, 59 individuals sustained injuries and were subsequently treated by government authorities. The injuries resulted from the chaos that ensued during the jailbreak attempt, which involved gunfire that rang out for several hours, instilling fear among inmates and local residents alike.

Reports indicate that during the chaos, some women were victims of sexual violence. These alarming claims have raised serious concerns about the safety of inmates and the overall management of the prison.

Following the incident, officials announced that order has been restored at Makala Central Prison. Authorities are now assessing the scenario and implementing security measures to prevent further incidents as the facility is no stranger to jailbreak attempts; it has a notorious history of such events, including a significant jailbreak in 2017 that resulted in numerous fatalities.

The attempted escape was reportedly plotted by inmates from within the prison walls, an indication of the serious governance and security issues at this facility. The DRC's Justice Minister has remarked that the incident reflects a deliberate attempt by inmates to breach security and escape confinement.

With the prison’s overcrowded conditions, which are over 800% of its intended capacity, officials have announced plans to construct a new jail. This initiative aims to alleviate the severe overcrowding that has plagued Makala Central Prison, contributing to the unrest and violence within its walls.

Witnesses reported hearing heavy gunfire emanating from the prison during the attempted escape, with videos circulating on social media depicting the grim aftermath—bodies lying on the ground as inmates attempted to load the dead into a vehicle. Such graphic representations have just intensified demands for accountability.

As the government faces criticism for its handling of the situation, the call for an independent investigation regarding the actions of the authorities and the overall management of the prison is growing louder. Observers are urgently pressing for transparency and accountability in a bid to reassess the operations and safety measures within the DRC prison system, ensuring that such tragedies do not recur.

The outbreak of violence at Makala Central Prison serves as a reminder of the serious incidents affecting the prison system in the DRC. As the nation grapples with ongoing conflict over governance and human rights, the recent events illustrate the challenges faced by the state in maintaining order within its correctional facilities.