Deadly Prison Break Attempt in Kinshasa: 129 Dead, Hundreds Injured

Chaos and Tragedy Erupt as 129 Die in Attempted Escape from Kinshasa’s Overcrowded Makala Prison

Kinshasa, DRC – A tragic attempt by inmates to escape from Makala Prison, Kinshasa’s largest high-security facility, has left 129 people dead, authorities confirmed. The chaotic breakout on Monday led to 24 prisoners being fatally shot, while many others suffocated in the ensuing crush.

Mass Casualties Initially Downplayed

Despite initial government reports minimizing the death toll to just two, Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani later revealed the full extent of the disaster, acknowledging the significant loss of life. Among the injured, nearly 60 are in critical condition and have been transported to local hospitals.

Residents Awoken by Gunfire

Witnesses living near the prison described waking up to the sound of gunfire in the early hours of the morning. “There were gunshots from 01:00 or 02:00 in the morning until around 05:00,” said Daddi Soso, a local resident. “There were deaths, and some people managed to flee.” Police cordoned off the area, preventing journalists from accessing the site.

Grim Footage Emerges

In response to the tragedy, the justice minister has vowed to intensify efforts to alleviate overcrowding in prisons across the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Unverified videos circulating on social media depicted harrowing scenes from inside the prison, showing lifeless bodies and desperate prisoners crushed in the chaos. Minister Shabani shared a video on social media, confirming the death toll and praising the rapid response of the security forces that contained the situation and prevented a mass escape.

Calls for International Investigation

Rights groups are now urging for an international investigation into the incident. Aftermath footage reveals significant damage, including a large breach in the prison wall and charred administrative buildings. The prison, built in the 1950s to hold 1,500 inmates, currently houses more than 14,000, exacerbating the dire conditions.

Makala Prison has long been plagued by overcrowding and poor conditions. In 2020, reports surfaced highlighting the facility’s extreme neglect, with many prisoners suffering due to food shortages and inadequate hygiene. Alarmingly, only 6% of the inmates were serving sentences, with the majority trapped in the country’s sluggish legal system.