Justice Minister Constant Mutamba condemned the attack as a “premeditated act of sabotage,” promising severe consequences for those responsible.
The Democratic Republic of Congo authorities on Tuesday said that at least 129 people have been confirmed dead, with many victims succumbing to a stampede during an attempted jailbreak at Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa.
Congolese Interior Minister, Jacquemin Shabani, revealed on X that an initial assessment indicated 24 inmates were killed by warning shots as they attempted to escape the overcrowded prison early Monday, AP reports.
The Minister further revealed that 59 people were injured and received medical care from the government, and there were reports of some women being raped.
Shabani also noted that order has been restored at the prison, though part of the facility was set on fire during the attack.
Makala Central Prison, the largest in Congo with a capacity of 1,500, is reportedly currently holding over 12,000 inmates, most of whom are awaiting trial, according to Amnesty International.
The prison has experienced previous jailbreaks, including a 2017 incident where an attack by a religious group led to the escape of dozens of inmates.
Witnesses reportedly said that gunfire erupted around midnight on Sunday. Initially, a senior government official claimed only two deaths, a figure contested by rights activists.
Videos from the scene showed bodies on the ground with visible injuries, and another clip depicted inmates loading dead bodies into a vehicle.
Meanwhile, there were no indications of forced entry into the prison, located 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the presidential palace.
The escape attempt was reportedly orchestrated by inmates from one of the prison’s wings, according to Deputy Justice Minister Mbemba Kabuya.
Following the attack, the road to the prison was closed off as authorities launched an investigation.
The prison's severe overcrowding has led to reports of deaths from starvation. In response, authorities have released many inmates this year to alleviate the congestion.
Justice Minister Constant Mutamba condemned the attack as a “premeditated act of sabotage,” promising severe consequences for those responsible.
He also announced a halt on the transfer of inmates from the prison and plans to construct a new facility to address overcrowding issues.