Tragically, 129 people lost their lives in an event at Makala jail in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The incident was called an attempted jail breakout. The terrible circumstances and structural problems within the country’s biggest prison were laid bare in the early hours of Monday morning by this tragic tragedy.
Overview of the Incident and Casualties
Jacquemain Shabani, minister of the interior, has stated that twenty-four inmates died from gunshot wounds sustained during the prison breakout, which occurred after warning shots had been fired. But most people died from suffocation in the crush that happened during the frantic attempt to escape. Government accounts initially listed only two casualties, however, later revisions have brought the number of casualties up to reflect the actual extent of the disaster.
This attempt at emancipation is similar to another huge breakout that occurred at Makala Prison seven years ago, when a minimum of four thousand convicts were able to escape.
Accounts from Eyewitnesses and the Government’s Reaction
From 1:00 to 5:00, residents living near the prison said they heard gunfire, and police blocked media who tried to cover the story. The aftermath, including the removal of dead by security personnel, was described by eyewitness Daddi Soso, who heard constant gunfire. Graphic videos showing people asking for assistance in the middle of the mayhem in the prison have been making the rounds on social media, although their veracity is questionable.
In a subsequent video released on X (previously Twitter), Minister Shabani admitted the gravity of the situation. Nearly sixty others, he verified, had serious injuries and were sent to the hospital. The minister praised the national police and army for their quick response, saying it helped control the crisis and stopped future escapes. Significant material damage was also caused by the incident, with fires destroying the prison’s administrative and registry offices.
An international investigation of the incident has been demanded by rights organizations, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency. Damage to the jail is evident in the footage shot after the breakout. A brick wall is massively holed, buildings are engulfed in flames, and documents are spread over the grounds.
Overcrowding and Prison Conditions
Over 14,000 offenders are presently housed in Makala Prison, which was initially built in the 1950s with a capacity of 1,500, according to AFP. The already bad circumstances in the institution are made worse by the overcrowding. Severe food shortages, poor cleanliness, and the extended confinement of inmates awaiting trial were among the harsh conditions that prompted concerns in 2020. Reportedly, just 6% of inmates were really completing their sentences at the time, while the remaining inmates’ cases were reportedly dragging on in the courts, where they can take years to resolve.
The minister of justice has pledged to step up initiatives to reduce jail overcrowding in light of these developments.
In summary
In light of the recent sad events at Makala Prison, the prison system in the Congo must undergo thorough reform. Prevention of such tragedies requires immediate action to alleviate jail congestion, enhance prison conditions, and guarantee justice. The demand for a probe from the international community is a reflection of how urgent these reforms are and how much accountability is required in the administration of the country’s prisons.
