Deadly Prison Break Attempt in Congo’s Main Jail

A chaotic attempt to break out of Congo’s main prison in the capital city, Kinshasa, has resulted in a devastating outcome, leaving at least 129 people dead, mostly due to a stampede, according to authorities.

The tragic event unfolded early Monday morning at the overcrowded Makala Central Prison, where an estimated 12,000 inmates are held, exceeding the facility’s capacity of 1,500 people. The attempted escape was planned from inside the prison by inmates in one of the wings, with authorities stating that there were no signs of forced entry.

According to a provisional assessment, 24 inmates were shot dead by "warning" gunshots as they tried to flee, while 59 others were injured and taken into care by the government. Tragically, some women were also reported to have been raped during the attack.

Videos from the scene show bodies lying on the ground, many with visible injuries, and inmates carrying people who appear to be dead into a vehicle.

Justice Minister Constant Mutamba described the attack as a "premeditated act of sabotage" and vowed to hold those responsible accountable, adding that the government would take measures to reduce overcrowding, including building a new prison.

The attempted jailbreak is not the first of its kind in the prison, which has experienced previous escapes, including a 2017 attack by a religious sect that freed dozens of inmates. Activists have long warned of the dire conditions within Congo’s prisons, where overcrowding and lack of resources often lead to deadly consequences.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to address the crisis of prison overcrowding in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of inmates and correctional officers alike.