
Last Thursday night, a spectacular escape took place at Kikwit central prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo. At least 14 minors have escaped, highlighting security flaws in the prison establishment. A shortage of security personnel as well as structural problems in the prison facilitated this escape. There is an urgent need to take measures to improve security in prisons, in particular by investing in the training and recruitment of qualified personnel, as well as carrying out structural renovations. The safety of inmates, staff and the public must be a top priority.