On 1–2 September 2024, an attempted jailbreak at Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo[1] resulted in the deaths of at least 129 people[2] and more than 59 other injuries.
Congolese Interior Minister Jacquemin Shabani [fr] said that 24 inmates were fatally shot by guards as they tried to escape, and that there were cases of women being raped.
[9] Families of the victims called for more responsibility, clarity, and answers from the government regarding the conditions that led to the incident,[12] as did human rights groups.
[15] Deputy Prime Minister for Interior and Security Jacquemain Shabani said that a special commission has been set up to continue investigating "deplorable and unfortunate events".
[9] The Delegation of the European Union to the Democratic Republic of Congo on 4 September called on Congolese authorities "to quickly shed light on these tragic events in order to establish the various responsibilities, including with regard to respect for human rights and the rule of law.