Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo: 129 dead in prison break attempt

KINSHASA (Reuters) – The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo said at least 129 people were killed during an escape attempt from the central Makala prison in the capital Kinshasa late on Sunday, but the situation was now under control.

In a statement released on X early Tuesday, Interior Minister Shabani Lukoo said fire had also broken out in the prison administration building, food warehouses and a hospital. About 59 people were injured, he added.

“The mass escape attempt from Makala Central Prison resulted in fatalities and significant property damage,” he said in the video statement.

A prison official had previously stated that no prisoner had managed to escape. Those who had tried to escape had been killed. The government was investigating the incident.

The breakout attempt occurred at around 2:00 a.m. (01:00 GMT) on Sunday. Prisoners told Reuters they heard heavy gunfire and noises from prisoners outside.

(Reporting by Miral Fahmy, Lisa Barrington, Stanis Bujakera, Benoit Nyemba and Sonia Rolley; Editing by Neil Fullick)