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Congo’s Makala Prison Tragedy: Families Demand Answers as Activists Denounce Inhumane Conditions

In the midst of chaos and tragedy, families of those killed in an attempted jailbreak at Congo’s Makala Central Prison are seeking answers from the government. The prison, which holds over 12,000 inmates, including many awaiting trial, has been plagued by overcrowding and dire living conditions.

On Monday, a deadly stampede broke out at the prison, resulting in the deaths of 129 people, including some who were shot by guards and soldiers. Justice Minister Constant Mutamba called the attempted jailbreak a "premeditated act of sabotage" and promised a "stern response." However, rights groups and the opposition have called for an independent investigation, accusing the government of using excessive force and covering up the true death toll.

Everixk Nzeu, a 25-year-old who died in the chaos, was arrested two months ago in the western part of Kinshasa and transferred to Makala on a provisional arrest warrant without trial or conviction. His mother, Madeleine Mbalaka, visited him on Sunday, saying he was fine, but received a call from his roommates at 6 a.m. telling her he was dead. The family has not been able to see his body, and Mbalaka is demanding answers from the authorities.

Congolese Interior Minister Jacquemin Shabani reported that 24 inmates were fatally shot by "warning" shots fired by guards as they tried to escape, while 59 others were injured, including some women who were raped. However, the exact circumstances of the stampede and the alleged rape cases remain unclear.

The European Union has called on Congolese authorities to "quickly shed light on these tragic events" and establish the various responsibilities, including respect for human rights and the rule of law. Opposition leader Martin Fayulu compared the death toll to "summary executions" and said it was an "unacceptable crime that cannot go unpunished."

Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala, a prominent Congolese journalist who was recently detained in the prison for months, described the conditions as "deplorable and inhumane," with inmates lacking food, water, access to sanitary facilities, and medical care. "Makala prison, seen from the inside, looks more like a concentration camp than a penitentiary," he said.

Congo’s deputy Justice Minister Samuel Mbemba Kabuya blamed the country’s judicial system for overcrowding in prisons, saying people are quickly jailed at the early stage of their trials. Justice Minister Constant Mutamba has announced a ban on the transfer of inmates from Makala and pledged to build a new prison, among other efforts to reduce overcrowding.

As the investigation continues, families are left to mourn the loss of their loved ones and demand justice in the face of inhumane conditions and government negligence.