Kinshasa, DRC – A week-long prison break at Makala, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s largest prison, has resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 129 people, the country’s interior minister announced on Tuesday.
In a video message, Minister Jacquemain Shabani revealed that 24 individuals were fatally shot after being repeatedly warned during the incident. The prison break also led to injuries for at least 59 people, with many suffering from trampling, crowd-related injuries, and sexual assault.
Eyewitnesses recounted hearing prolonged gunfire and witnessing tense conditions within the prison grounds on Monday. Daddi Soso, an electrician, reported seeing security forces removing bodies from the scene.
While government spokesman Patrick Muaya stated on national television that the situation is currently “under control,” officials have yet to provide information regarding the number of prisoners who escaped or attempted to escape.
