Mass Casualty Event at Overcrowded Congo Prison: 129 Dead in Escape Attempt
A failed jailbreak at Kinshasa's Makala prison resulted in 129 deaths, mostly from a stampede. The incident highlights severe overcrowding issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo's main penitentiary.
In a tragic incident at Makala prison, the main penitentiary in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), at least 129 individuals lost their lives during an attempted escape. The event, which occurred on September 2, 2024, primarily resulted in fatalities due to a stampede, with 24 inmates succumbing to gunshot wounds from "warning" shots fired by prison guards.
Jacquemin Shabani, the Congolese Interior Minister, provided details of the incident on social media. The attempted jailbreak began late on September 1, with residents reporting gunfire around midnight. Initially, government officials claimed only two deaths, a figure that was promptly contested by human rights advocates.
Makala prison, designed to accommodate 1,500 individuals, currently houses over 12,000 inmates. The majority of these prisoners are awaiting trial, as reported by Amnesty International in their latest country assessment. This severe overcrowding is emblematic of broader issues within the DRC's penal system and governance structures.
The DRC, the second-largest country in Africa, has grappled with political instability and conflict since gaining independence from Belgium in 1960. Despite its vast natural resources, including minerals and rainforests, the nation faces significant challenges with corruption and weak governance, resulting in one of the world's lowest GDP per capita.
This is not the first security breach at Makala prison. In 2017, a religious sect orchestrated an attack that led to the escape of dozens of inmates. Such incidents underscore the ongoing struggles with maintaining order and security within the country's penal system.
Kinshasa, formerly known as Léopoldville until 1966, is not only the capital but also the largest city in the DRC. Situated along the Congo River, the world's second-longest river in Africa, the city serves as the country's political and economic hub. However, it also reflects many of the nation's challenges, including infrastructure deficiencies and socioeconomic disparities.
The recent tragedy at Makala prison highlights the urgent need for prison reform and improved conditions for inmates in the DRC. As the country continues to navigate its complex political landscape and strive for stability, addressing these fundamental issues remains crucial for progress and human rights advancement.
