Democratic At least 129 dead after prison escape attempt in Congo

At least 129 people have died in an escape attempt from a prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to authorities. Of these, 24 inmates were shot dead in Makala prison in the capital Kinshasa, while dozens of others were suffocated or trampled to death, Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani said on Platform X.

Some female prisoners were raped during the riot on Monday night, Shabani said. At least 59 people were also injured. The police and army were able to bring the outbreak of violence under control.

According to Shabani, the number of victims is preliminary. Investigations were continuing. The damage to property was also considerable, said the Interior Minister. The administrative buildings of the prison, the infirmary, the registry office and the food depot had been completely burnt down. Security forces held an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss further measures.

Prison breaks are a frequent occurrence in the conflict-torn Central African country. Hundreds of inmates often manage to escape together.