**An unprecedented tragedy at Makala Central Prison in the DRC**
In a tragic night that will remain etched in memories, Makala Central Prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo was the scene of a nightmarish scene. What should have been a failed escape attempt turned into a real massacre, leaving behind a heavy toll in human lives. The prison authorities are trying to minimize the facts by talking about a “failed escape attempt”, but the testimonies collected indicate a real tragedy.
As social networks are ablaze and local media are relaying alarming information, Congolese civil society is protesting against the disproportionate violence exercised by the prison authorities. Human rights are being violated, and the need for an independent and transparent investigation is urgently needed to ensure justice is done to the victims of this massacre.
The human toll of this bloody night remains unclear, but rumors indicate an alarming number of victims among the detainees. In a country already scarred by decades of conflict and suffering, this new outbreak of violence suggests an imminent humanitarian crisis, which the international community must take into consideration.
The reasons that pushed the detainees to try to escape remain unclear, but certain elements suggest a picture of misery and despair. The inhumane conditions of detention, marked by prison overcrowding, malnutrition and lack of access to medical care, attest to an unbearable situation that pushes the prisoners to their limits.
It is urgent that light be shed on this tragedy. A thorough and impartial investigation must be carried out to identify those responsible for these barbaric acts and bring them to justice. More than ever, it is essential to guarantee respect for human rights and the dignity of individuals, in all circumstances.
In this dark time, when violence seems to reign supreme within the walls of Makala prison, it is our duty not to look away. The memory of the victims demands that justice be done to them, and that light be shed on the shadows surrounding this terrible night. Only the truth can heal the open wounds and soothe the souls wounded by this tragedy.