An attempted jailbreak at DR Congo’s largest prison in Kinshasa resulted in the deaths of at least two inmates early Monday, according to the Associated Press. Heavy gunfire was reported, and security forces quickly cordoned off the area.
Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya confirmed on X that there was an “attempted escape.” Local media reported that security forces killed some of the inmates who tried to flee.
Videos reportedly from inside the prison showed multiple bodies on the ground. Mbemba Kabuya, the deputy justice minister, told local Top Congo FM radio that only two deaths had been confirmed, though this figure is disputed by the opposition and human rights activists.
“The prison was not attacked from the outside. It was prisoners from wing 4 who attempted this escape,” Kabuya said.
Residents reported that gunfire from inside the prison began around midnight. By Monday morning, security forces had cordoned off the road leading to the prison.
“Security services are on site to restore order and security. The population of Kinshasa is urged not to panic,” Muyaya said.
Makala prison, DR Congo’s main penitentiary, has a capacity for 1,500 people but holds over 12,000 inmates, most of whom are awaiting trial, according to Amnesty International. The prison has a history of jailbreaks, including one in 2017 when a religious sect freed dozens of inmates
