In a tragic incident that unfolded on September 2, 2024, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) experienced a devastating attempted prison break at its largest correctional facility. The event, which occurred at Makala prison in Kinshasa, the capital city, resulted in the loss of 129 lives and left 59 individuals injured.
Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo, the Interior Minister, provided details on the casualties, stating that the majority of deaths were caused by a stampede, while 24 individuals were fatally shot after disregarding warnings during their escape attempt. The minister also reported instances of sexual assault against female inmates during the chaos.
The incident caused substantial damage to the prison infrastructure, with administrative buildings, medical facilities, and food storage areas destroyed by fire. Visual evidence shared online depicted smoke rising from the prison complex and the bodies of partially clothed men on the ground.
The DRC government has pledged to conduct an immediate investigation into the incident. Constant Mutamba, the Justice Minister, characterized the escape attempt as a "premeditated act of sabotage" and warned of severe consequences for those responsible. He also announced plans to intensify efforts to address the issue of prison overcrowding throughout the country.
The overcrowding at Makala prison has been a long-standing concern. An Amnesty International report from the previous year revealed that the facility, designed to accommodate 1,500 inmates, was housing over 12,000 individuals. More than 70% of these inmates were being held without trial, highlighting significant issues within the DRC's judicial system.
"I will be personally coordinating the management of this crisis. We have instructed prison officials to strengthen security measures immediately."
The Prime Minister cut short an official trip to return to Kinshasa and oversee the response to the crisis.
This incident is not without precedent. In 2017, Makala prison experienced a mass escape when members of a religious sect stormed the facility to free their leader, resulting in over 4,000 inmates fleeing.
The DRC, the second-largest country in Africa by area, has faced numerous challenges in recent years. Despite its vast natural resources, including minerals and rainforests, the nation struggles with one of the lowest GDP per capita globally. Political instability, armed conflicts in eastern regions, and health crises such as Ebola outbreaks have further complicated the country's development efforts.
As the government grapples with this latest crisis, it faces the broader challenge of reforming its prison system and addressing the root causes of overcrowding and poor conditions. With one of the lowest literacy rates in the world and over 200 ethnic groups, the DRC's path to stability and progress remains complex.
The international community, including the United Nations and African Union, of which the DRC is a member, will likely be watching closely as the country responds to this incident and works towards implementing much-needed reforms in its criminal justice system.