By In the early hours of August 18, 2024, Kinshasa witnessed a night of chaos as gunfire erupted around the Makala Central Prison, located in Selembao commune. Starting at approximately 2:00 AM, gunshots rang out for several hours, spreading fear among the local residents. Video footage circulating on social media shows prisoners attempting to break down walls and gates to escape. Unconfirmed reports indicate multiple fatalities, injuries, and even sexual assaults, although an official account of the situation is yet to be released.
Context of the Crisis
Makala Central Prison was originally designed to hold around 1,500 inmates but is now severely overcrowded, housing over ten times that number. Overcrowding in prisons is a significant issue in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), creating an environment ripe for unrest and incidents like the one that occurred last night.
This incident comes at a time when President Félix Tshisekedi is on an official visit to China for the Africa-China summit, and Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde is in Bas-Congo for a religious ceremony. With these key figures absent, managing the crisis at Makala becomes even more challenging. The Minister of Justice has been working on directives from the President to reduce overcrowding in the prison, yet this latest incident underscores the urgency of the situation.
Direct and Indirect Consequences
1. Human Rights Concerns:
- Potential Violations: If the reports of deaths and sexual assaults are confirmed, it would represent a serious human rights violation. The international community may increase pressure on the Congolese government to improve prison conditions and protect inmates’ rights.
- International Reputation: This event could damage the DRC’s image on the global stage, particularly regarding its commitment to human rights and judicial reforms.
2. Security and Civil Protection:
- Rising Fears: The attempted escape highlights significant security gaps within one of the country’s largest prisons. Residents in Selembao and nearby communities may now live in increased fear, worried that escapees might pose a threat to their safety.
- Impact on Public Order: A mass escape could lead to a rise in crime and violence in the city, requiring a swift and effective response from law enforcement agencies.
Recommendations for Improvement
1. Strengthening Prison Security:
- Infrastructure Upgrades: There is an urgent need to reinforce the security infrastructure at Makala Prison, including modernizing facilities and increasing the number of trained guards to prevent such incidents.
- Technological Surveillance: The introduction of surveillance technologies, such as security cameras and escape detection systems, could significantly enhance the authorities’ ability to manage crises in real-time.
2. Urgent Decongestion of the Prison:
- Amnesty and Parole: The government should consider implementing amnesty or parole measures for non-violent offenders to reduce overcrowding.
- Building New Prisons: Constructing new correctional facilities in other regions of the country could provide a long-term solution to the problem of overcrowding.
3. Judicial System Reforms:
- Speeding Up Trials: The slow pace of judicial proceedings is a major contributor to prison overcrowding. Accelerating trials could reduce the number of inmates awaiting judgment.
- Improving Detention Conditions: The government must invest in improving the living conditions of detainees to prevent uprisings due to inhumane conditions.
