More than 100 killed in failed DR Congo jailbreak

A tragic incident occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically in the capital city of Kinshasa, where an attempt by inmates to escape from a high-security prison resulted in the deaths of 129 individuals, as reported by the authorities. The Interior Minister, Jacquemain Shabani, stated that 24 prisoners were killed by gunfire when guards fired warning shots during the early hours of Monday morning. The majority of the remaining fatalities were due to suffocation caused by a crush during the chaotic escape attempt at Makala Prison. Initially, the government reported only two deaths, but as more information came to light, the true extent of the tragedy was revealed. This prison has a history of mass escapes; seven years ago, around 4,000 inmates managed to flee from the same facility, which is the largest prison in the country. Residents living near the prison reported hearing gunshots throughout the night. Daddi Soso, a local resident, recounted to the AFP news agency that the gunfire began around 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning and continued until approximately 5:00. He mentioned that there were fatalities and that some individuals managed to escape, while security forces were seen removing bodies from the scene. Graphic videos circulating online, although not verified by the BBC, depicted lifeless bodies on the ground and people crying for help amidst the chaos. Approximately 24 hours after the escape attempt, Minister Shabani posted a video on social media acknowledging the severity of the incident and the rising death toll. He also mentioned that nearly 60 others were severely injured and had been transported to hospitals for treatment. In his statement, he commended the national police and army for their swift response, which helped to contain the situation and prevent further escapes. However, he acknowledged that there were significant damages, including loss of life, injuries, and material destruction at the prison. He noted that the administration and registry offices had caught fire, and these urgent matters were currently being addressed. Human rights organizations have called for an international investigation into the events that transpired during the escape attempt. Footage from the aftermath showed a large hole in a brick wall, charred buildings, firefighters working at the scene, and an office with papers scattered across the floor. Makala Prison, which dates back to the 1950s, was built to hold 1,500 prisoners, but at the time of the incident, it was overcrowded with more than 14,000 inmates. In a previous report from 2020, a prison official described the dire conditions within the prison, highlighting issues such as food shortages and poor hygiene, which contributed to the suffering of the inmates. At that time, it was estimated that only 6% of the prisoners were actually serving sentences, while the majority were caught in the lengthy legal process of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In response to the situation, the justice minister has promised to intensify efforts to reduce overcrowding in prisons across the nation.