The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo reported that at least 129 people were killed during an attempted escape from Makala Central Prison in the capital, Kinshasa, late on Sunday. According to officials, the situation is now under control.
Interior Minister Shabani Lukoo stated in a video posted on X early Tuesday that a fire broke out in the prison’s administrative building, food storage areas, and a hospital during the chaos. Additionally, 59 people were reported wounded.
“The mass escape attempt at Makala Central Prison resulted in significant loss of life and major material damage,” Minister Lukoo said.
A prison official previously indicated that no prisoners successfully escaped, explaining that those who attempted to flee were killed. The government is currently investigating the incident.
The breakout attempt occurred around 2:00 a.m. (0100 GMT) on Sunday. Prisoners reported hearing heavy gunfire and the sounds of people outside the facility.
