Deadly Congolese Prison Break: 129 Fatalities

An attempted jailbreak at Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa, Congo, resulted in 129 deaths. Authorities indicated that the fatalities included those shot by guards and others who died in a stampede. The overcrowded facility holds over 12,000 inmates. Activists and opposition leaders are demanding an independent investigation into the incident.

An attempted jailbreak in Congo's main prison, Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa, resulted in 129 deaths, including individuals who were shot and others who perished in a stampede, authorities reported Tuesday.

Activists claimed the death toll was higher but did not provide specific figures. A preliminary assessment revealed that 24 inmates were fatally shot by "warning" shots fired by guards during the escape attempt early Monday, according to Congolese Interior Minister Jacquemin Shabani via social platform X.

"There are also 59 injured people taken into care by the government, as well as some cases of women raped," Shabani stated, noting that order has been restored at the facility, where part of the prison was set on fire during the jailbreak.

(With inputs from agencies.)