129 Dead, 59 Injured in Failed Mass Prison Escape in DRC

On September 3, a tragic incident unfolded at the Makala prison in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where at least 129 individuals lost their lives during a failed jailbreak. In addition, 59 others sustained injuries in a chaotic escape attempt from the overcrowded facility.

Reporting indicates that many of the casualties occurred as detainees became trapped in a stampede while attempting to flee. Disturbingly, 24 individuals were shot dead by prison guards during the turmoil.

Amidst the chaos, Security Minister Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo confirmed that several essential structures within the prison—including administrative buildings, a registry, a hospital, and food storage areas—were destroyed by fire. He stated that despite the devastation, the authorities had managed to bring the situation under control prior to a crucial crisis meeting planned for Tuesday, which would involve leaders from the security and defense sectors.

Witnesses captured alarming footage during and after the incident, showcasing the aftermath of the stampede. Visuals depicted bodies scattered on the ground, desperate individuals calling for assistance, significant damage to the prison walls, and fires raging through the buildings. The recordings also revealed a chaotic scene inside the prison, with paper strewn across the floor amid the debris.

Despite the tragedy, Minister Lukoo sought to frame the events as a testament to the efficacy of law enforcement. He expressed gratitude towards the security forces, including the national police and the military, for their rapid response that he claimed prevented a larger escape crisis. “This is also an opportunity to commend all the security services, the national police, and the army, who responded quickly and were able to contain the situation, preventing the escape,” he remarked.

Amnesty International highlighted that, as of October, the Makala prison was housing around 12,000 detainees, a staggering eight times its intended capacity. The organization pointed out that most of these individuals were awaiting trial, underscoring the severe overcrowding and dire conditions prevalent in the facility.

In a 2020 interview, a prison official revealed the horrific living conditions inside Makala, noting that food shortages and inadequate sanitation facilities were contributing to an increasing number of deaths among detainees. It was reported that more than 90% of the individuals incarcerated there were awaiting trial, often languishing in limbo for years due to the inefficiencies of the legal system.

The prison’s history also bears a record of violence and loss of life. In 2017, a significant escape attempt led to over 80 fatalities when armed attackers stormed the facility, allowing at least 4,000 prisoners to escape in a violent raid.

This most recent tragedy adds to the growing concern regarding the conditions and management of prisons in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, drawing attention to urgent reforms needed to ensure the safety and well-being of detainees. As investigations into the jailbreak continue, the spotlight remains on the management of Makala prison and the treatment of those held within its walls.