An attempted jailbreak at the overcrowded Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa has resulted in a tragic loss of life, with authorities confirming at least 129 deaths on Tuesday, September 3.

According to Congolese Interior Minister Jacquemin Shabani, 24 prisoners were shot dead by “warning” gunshots as they tried to flee. The situation quickly spiraled out of control, leading to a stampede that claimed many more lives.

“There are also 59 injured people taken into care by the government, as well as some cases of women raped,” Shabani stated on social media, confirming that order has since been restored at the facility. Part of the prison was set ablaze during the turmoil, exacerbating the already dire situation.

Makala Central Prison, the largest penitentiary in Congo, has long been a site of concern due to severe overcrowding. Designed to hold only 1,500 inmates, the facility currently houses between 14,000 and 15,000 detainees, according to official figures.

Amnesty International’s latest report on the DRC highlighted that most of these inmates are awaiting trial, creating a volatile environment within the prison walls.

In a previous jailbreak in 2017, more than 4,000 prisoners escaped after an attack by armed men, indicating the persistent security issues at the facility. The recent incident has further underscored the urgent need for reform within the Congolese prison system.

Video footage purportedly from inside the prison has surfaced, showing bodies strewn across the ground, many with visible injuries. Other videos depict inmates carrying what appear to be deceased individuals into vehicles.

Despite the severity of the situation, there were no signs of forced entry into the prison, which is located just 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the presidential palace.

The attempted escape is believed to have been orchestrated by inmates within one of the prison wings, Deputy Justice Minister Mbemba Kabuya told local media.

Following the attack, authorities quickly cordoned off the road leading to the prison and launched an investigation to determine the events that led to the deadly incident.

Minister Promises Swift Punishment for Saboteurs

Justice Minister Constant Mutamba condemned the attack as a “premeditated act of sabotage” aimed at undermining government efforts to improve prison conditions. “Investigations are underway to identify and severely punish those who instigated these acts of sabotage. They will receive a stern response,” Mutamba vowed.

In response to the crisis, Mutamba also announced a temporary ban on the transfer of inmates from Makala and revealed plans to build a new prison as part of broader efforts to address overcrowding.

Despite the seriousness of the incident, there was no immediate public comment from Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, who is currently on an official visit to China. The lack of a statement from the president has led to some criticism, given the magnitude of the tragedy.

Prison overcrowding has long been a critical issue in Congo, with activists frequently raising concerns about the dire conditions inside facilities like Makala.

Starvation and disease are rampant, and the lack of resources has contributed to the rising tension among inmates. In recent months, authorities have attempted to alleviate some of the pressure by releasing dozens of inmates, but the latest incident demonstrates that much more needs to be done.

As such, the deadly jailbreak at Makala Central Prison highlights the urgent need for reform in the Congolese justice system. As the investigation continues, the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic event await answers and accountability.