Mass Sexual Assault Rocks DR Congo Prison During Escape Attempt

A horrific incident unfolded at Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, on September 2, 2024. During an attempted mass escape, over 260 female inmates were subjected to sexual assault, according to a United Nations internal report reviewed by Reuters.

The prison break attempt resulted in a tragic loss of life, with at least 129 individuals killed as guards resorted to using live ammunition to prevent escapes. Makala Central Prison, built in 1958 during the Belgian colonial era, has been grappling with severe overcrowding issues. Official figures indicate a capacity of 1,500 prisoners, yet the facility housed more than 15,000 individuals at the time of the incident.

The UN report provides a detailed account of the sexual violence that occurred during the chaos. Out of 348 women incarcerated at Makala, 268 were subjected to sexual violence, including rape. Disturbingly, 17 of these victims were under the age of 19. The report's specificity stems from the urgent need to provide post-attack kits and emergency contraception within 72 hours to the survivors.

Victims' testimonies paint a harrowing picture of the events. One survivor, speaking anonymously due to fear of reprisals, reported being raped by at least a dozen inmates. Another witness described the horrifying scene: "I saw the male prisoners throwing themselves at the female prisoners, it was horrible." The attackers targeted the block housing most of the women, one of seven out of the prison's 11 blocks vandalized during the breakout attempt.

Emmanuel Cole, a Congolese rights defender monitoring prisons since 1997, stated, "This is the worst case we have seen in terms of the number of rapes during an escape." He suggested that the UN figures might be an underestimate, as some victims may have been too afraid to come forward.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has a history of prison breaks and faces ongoing challenges in its justice system, including corruption and lack of resources. The country has ratified international treaties on human rights and prevention of torture, but implementation remains difficult due to various factors, including the underdeveloped healthcare system and infrastructure issues.

In response to this grave incident, President Felix Tshisekedi has ordered an investigation into the Makala prison break and a review of the main prisons to address overcrowding. Tshisekedi, who came to power in 2019 promising reforms, faces the daunting task of improving conditions in a prison system that has long been criticized by human rights organizations.

The UN, which has maintained a peacekeeping mission in DR Congo since 1999, continues to play a crucial role in monitoring and reporting on such incidents. As the country grapples with this latest crisis, the international community watches closely, hoping for meaningful reforms that can prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety and dignity of all inmates.

"We are deeply concerned by the reports of sexual violence at Makala Central Prison. A thorough investigation is underway, and we are committed to addressing the systemic issues in our prison system to prevent such incidents in the future."

This incident highlights the urgent need for comprehensive prison reform in the Democratic Republic of Congo, addressing not only overcrowding but also security measures and the protection of vulnerable inmates. As the investigation unfolds, the world awaits concrete actions to ensure that such a devastating breach of human rights is never repeated.