Concerns arise regarding failed prison escape in Congo amid calls for justice from victims’ families

Family members of people who lost their lives in what authorities described as a failed jailbreak at Congo’s largest prison are seeking clarification from the government, while activists criticize what they describe as inhumane conditions in the country’s overcrowded correctional facilities. The incident at Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa resulted in 129 deaths, including individuals shot by guards and soldiers, and others who perished in a stampede. Justice Minister Constant Mutamba labeled the event a “premeditated act of sabotage” and vowed a strong reaction.

Rights organizations and the opposition are urging for an impartial investigation, alleging that the government used excessive force and concealed the true number of casualties. The death toll could be higher than reported, with one activist claiming over 200 fatalities. The case of Everixk Nzeu, a 25-year-old who died during the upheaval, highlights the alarming situation. Nzeu had been detained for two months without trial or conviction before losing his life.

Amidst demands for clarity, family members like Madeleine Mbalaka, Nzeu’s mother, express their anguish at not knowing the full circumstances of their loved ones’ deaths. The Congolese Interior Minister, Jacquemin Shabani, has stated that some inmates were fatally shot by guards during the escape attempt, with several individuals injured and reports of sexual assault. The European Union has called for a transparent investigation into the tragic events to ensure accountability and respect for human rights.

The overcrowded and dire conditions in Congo’s prisons have been a longstanding concern. Makala Central Prison, designed for 1,500 inmates, currently holds over 12,000 individuals, predominantly awaiting trial. The facility has a history of escapes and violence. Despite promises to address the issue, families of the deceased remain distressed by the lack of information about their relatives. The tragic incident has shed light on the urgent need for prison reform in the country.