Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reported that at least 129 people were killed during an attempted escape from the central Makala prison in Kinshasa. Interior Minister Shabani Lukoo stated on X early Tuesday that the attempt occurred on Monday amidst a fire that damaged the prison’s administrative buildings and infirmary.
The provisional toll stands at 129 dead, including 24 from gunfire, following warnings, Lukoo said in a statement on X. Additionally, around 59 people were injured, and there was “significant material damage,” he reported.
The prison currently holds between 14,000 and 15,000 detainees, primarily those awaiting trial, according to official figures and Amnesty International’s latest report on the DRC.
The facility has seen previous jailbreaks, including a notable incident in 2017 when over 4,000 prisoners escaped following a nighttime attack by armed men.
Authorities have been working to alleviate overcrowding by releasing dozens of inmates in recent months.
Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, who is currently on an official visit to China, has not commented on Monday’s incident. Justice Minister Constant Mutamba described the attack as a “premeditated act of sabotage” aimed at undermining prison reform efforts.
Mutamba stated that investigations are underway to identify and severely punish those responsible. He also announced a ban on transferring inmates from the prison and plans to build a new facility to help address overcrowding.
