Chaos Erupts in Congo Prison: 129 Dead in Failed Jailbreak Attempt

Tuesday 03 September 2024 - 13:00

An attempted jailbreak at Congo’s largest prison, Makala Central Prison, has resulted in the deaths of 129 people, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. The incident, which involved a stampede and gunfire, has sparked outrage and calls for an independent investigation.

According to Congolese Interior Minister Jacquemin Shabani, 24 inmates were fatally shot by guards who fired "warning" shots as prisoners attempted to escape. Additionally, 59 individuals were injured, and there were reports of sexual assaults within the prison. The facility, which has a capacity for 1,500 inmates, currently holds over 12,000, most of whom are awaiting trial.

The prison has a history of overcrowding and previous jailbreak attempts. In 2017, members of a religious sect stormed the prison and freed dozens of inmates. The latest incident began with gunfire around midnight on Sunday, lasting into Monday morning, according to local residents.

Videos circulating online show bodies lying on the ground inside the prison, many with visible injuries. Another video depicts inmates carrying seemingly lifeless bodies onto a vehicle. The exact circumstances leading to the stampede remain unclear.

The attempted escape was reportedly plotted by inmates within one of the prison wings, according to Deputy Justice Minister Mbemba Kabuya. In the aftermath, officials visited the prison, and a panel was convened to investigate the incident. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, currently on an official visit to China, has not publicly commented on the matter.

Rights groups and opposition leaders have accused the government of using excessive force and covering up the true death toll. Martin Fayulu, an opposition leader, likened the deaths to "summary executions" and called for accountability.

Justice Minister Constant Mutamba described the attempted jailbreak as a "premeditated act of sabotage" and promised a stern response. He also announced a ban on the transfer of inmates from Makala and pledged efforts to reduce overcrowding, including the construction of a new prison.

Makala, like many other prisons in Congo, is notorious for overcrowding, with inmates often facing starvation and harsh conditions. Scores of prisoners have been released in recent months as part of efforts to alleviate these issues.

The incident has highlighted the urgent need for prison reform in Congo, where overcrowding and poor conditions are rampant. As authorities investigate the tragedy, calls for transparency and accountability grow louder.