The recent tragedy at Makala prison has deeply shocked the Congolese nation. Reactions continue to flow, denouncing with indignation the shocking circumstances that led to the death of 129 inmates during a forceful intervention by the authorities to put an end to an escape attempt.
The unbearable images of this fateful night have shaken the collective conscience, recalling other massacres and human rights violations that have unfortunately marked the country’s recent history. The political party Leadership and Governance for Development (LGD), led by former Prime Minister Matata Ponyo, has also condemned these unspeakable acts of violence.
In an official statement, the LGD called for a preventive policy and quality governance to avoid such tragedies in the future. He highlighted the parallels with other tragic events, such as the massacre of the followers of the Wazalendo sect in Goma and the recent massacres in Kilwa and Luilu, which have marked the country’s history.
Faced with this escalation of violence and human rights violations, many political parties are demanding impartial investigations to shed light on responsibilities and ensure that justice is done for the victims and their families. The government has announced an official death toll of 129 detainees, but testimonies about the inhumane conditions in which the other detainees have been surviving since the tragedy raise serious concerns.
It is essential to conduct thorough and transparent investigations to ensure that such atrocities do not happen again, and so that the population can regain confidence in the administration of justice and the protection of fundamental rights. In these trying times, it is imperative that the authorities take concrete measures to prevent further violations and to guarantee the dignity and security of every individual, including those deprived of their liberty.
This tragic event reminds us all of the importance of defending the fundamental values of justice, equity and respect for human rights in order to build together a fairer and more secure future for all Congolese citizens.