During a failed escape attempt at Makala prison in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, at least 129 people were killed and 59 injured.
The prison, severely overcrowded with 12,000 detainees, saw most casualties from a stampede as inmates tried to flee, while 24 were shot by guards.
Security Minister Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo reported that the prison’s administrative buildings, registry, hospital, and food storage were destroyed in a fire.
Despite the extensive damage, Lukoo claimed that the situation was under control and praised the security forces for their swift response, framing the event as a victory for law and order.
Amnesty International noted that the prison was housing eight times its intended capacity as of October, with many detainees awaiting trial in harsh conditions.
The overcrowding and poor living standards have been longstanding issues, leading to previous incidents, including a 2017 prison break that resulted in over 80 deaths.
