At least 129 people have d!ed in an attempted jailbreak from the Makala Central Prison in Congo.
Gunfire reportedly began from inside the prison at around midnight on Sunday, September 1, into Monday morning.
Videos circulating online show bodies lying on the floor, many of them with visible injuries.
Inmates can also be seen in other films being carried into a car by people who look to be de@d.
According to sources, the majority died in a stampede.
The interior minister of Congo, Jacquemin Shabani, revealed the dead toll in a statement on X, stating that the breakout attempt resulted in fatalities as well as major material damage.
“On the instructions of the High Hierarchy, I have called a crisis meeting with the heads of the defence and security services,” the statement reads.
“The provisional toll is 129 de@d, including 24 by gunfire, after warning, the other victims having d!ed by jostling or suffoc@tion.
“The administrative buildings, the registry, the infirmary, and the food depots were destroyed by fire.
“The Government is pleased with the return to calm, deplores these tragic events, and offers its condolences to the families of the victims.
“Investigations are continuing and the public will be informed.”
Makala is Congo’s largest penitentiary. The facility has recorded previous jailbreaks, including in 2017 when an attack by a religious sect freed dozens.
