Recently, a tragic event took place at Makala prison in Kinshasa, plunging the country into deep consternation. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior and Security, Jacquemain Shabani, announced a heartbreaking provisional toll: 129 people lost their lives during an escape attempt on September 2. This sad episode was marked by chaotic scenes and a large number of victims, some of whom were shot dead.
The story of this tragic event sparked indignation and concern among the Congolese population. The figures released by the Minister of the Interior reveal a brutal reality: 129 dead, including 24 shot after being warned, and the other victims who died as a result of jostling or suffocation. The prison environment at Makala prison is traditionally known for being overcrowded; In addition, the lack of security and deplorable detention conditions contributed to this tragedy.
In addition to the human losses, the material toll is also heavy. The administrative building, the registry, the infirmary and food depots were set on fire during this fateful night. The damage caused by the fire adds to the pain of the bereaved families and the entire community, faced with a reality that is difficult to accept.
Jacquemain Shabani highlighted the violence of these events and is striving to conduct in-depth investigations to understand the exact circumstances of this escape attempt and the dysfunctions that led to such disastrous consequences. However, it remains imperative that justice be done for the victims and that measures be taken to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
This bloody escape attempt at Makala prison is a cry of alarm that must alert us to the urgency of reforming the prison system and guaranteeing the dignity and security of prisoners. It is time for the authorities to act to prevent further tragedies and to provide prisoners with conditions of detention that respect their humanity. May the memory of the victims of this tragic night not be forgotten and may their sacrifice serve as a catalyst for collective awareness.