Deadly Escape Attempt in Kinshasa: 129 Inmates Dead in Makala Prison Break

At least 129 inmates were killed during a mass escape attempt at Makala central prison in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. The incident took place late on Sunday and was marked by heavy gunfire and significant material damage. Interior Minister Shabani Lukoo confirmed the situation was now under control and an investigation is underway.

At least 129 inmates met their untimely death during a chaotic escape attempt at Makala central prison in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, late on Sunday.

Interior Minister Shabani Lukoo announced in a statement on X early Tuesday that the situation had been brought under control. He noted that a fire had broken out in the prison's administrative building, food depots, and a hospital, with 59 individuals wounded.

According to initial reports, no prisoners managed to escape. The government has launched an investigation into the incident, which saw heavy gunfire around 2:00 a.m. (0100 GMT) on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies.)