Congolese Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani reported that at least 129 people have died following a violent attempt to escape from the Makala prison in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a statement posted on his X account, Shabani revealed that 24 of the deceased were inmates who were shot by authorities during the upheaval. Many others perished from suffocation or trampling in the chaotic melee.
The situation also saw a disturbing turn as female prisoners were sexually assaulted amidst the disorder on Monday night. The violence left at least 59 individuals injured, though the full scope of the damage remains preliminary.
The attempted break resulted in significant property damage, with administrative buildings, the infirmary, and the food depot at the prison being completely destroyed by fire.
In response to the crisis, security forces convened an emergency meeting on Tuesday to address the situation. The frequency of prison breaks in the conflict-ridden Central African nation has raised concerns, as large numbers of inmates often manage to escape during such incidents.
