Overview of the Prison Break Incident
A jailbreak attempt from Makala prison in Kinshasa has caused a considerable number of deaths besides incidences of general violence.
Details of the Attack
Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani declared at least 129 people died, including 24 who were shot. Scores more were injured, and there are reports of sexual violence.
Aьitness Accounts and AftermathWitnesses described hearing shots amidst the situation unfolding and the heavy presence of security.
Official Response and Control Measures
Government officials claimed the situation was “under control,” and an investigation into the sabotage has been called for.
Conditions Inside Prison and Historic PerspectiveThe Makala prison is designed to hold 1,500 inmates but is grossly overcrowded, holding between 14,000 and 15,000 prisoners. Past incidents have contributed to its abysmal state.
Calls for Investigation and AccountabilityCivil society groups and rights organizations are asking that an independent investigation be launched into the massacre and the conditions at the prison facility.
Summary of the Jailbreak Incident An attempted jailbreak from Makala prison-the largest prison facility in the Democratic Republic of Congo-on Monday has left at least 129 people dead and several complaints of rape. The Makala prison, located in the capital Kinshasa, houses ten times its intended capacity. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday with reports of gunfire and chaos.
Details of the Attack Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani announced that 129 people have died, including 24 who were shot following warnings. At least 59 others were wounded and many women were raped. The attack caused serious damage to the infrastructure of the prison, including a fire which partly burned administrative offices.
Eyewitness Accounts and Aftermath People testified to having heard gunshots at around 2 am that lasted for several hours. The place was peaceful, but police and military presence was very heavy after the incident. The security forces were seen removing bodies and sealing off areas.
Official Response and Control Measures The government has assured that the situation is “under control” as it launched investigations in order to trace those responsible for the jailbreak. Justice Minister Constant Mutamba has promised severe sanctions against those linked to it. The prison had earlier come under attack in 2017, freeing more than 4,000 prisoners.
Prison Conditions and Historical Context Makala prison was built to serve 1,500 but is currently serving between 14,000 to 15,000 prisoners. Rights organizations frequently criticize the conditions within the prison, calling them deplorable. At this juncture, considering the context of overcrowding and past events, it has dramatized the call for reform to disproportionate dimensions.
Calls for Investigation and Accountability NGOs and civil society organizations have called for an independent investigation into the massacre and conditions within Makala prison. The local NGO Voice of the Voiceless and the citizen movement Lucha have respectively condemned the violence and demanded that the government be transparent.