At least 129 inmates are killed and 59 more injured in an attempted prison break at Makala Prison in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
2024 Makala jailbreak attempt
On 2 September 2024, an attempted jailbreak at Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulted in the deaths of at least 129 people and more than 59 other injuries. A prison official said that no inmates escaped, but inmates and human rights groups said that there were around 2,000 fewer prisoners in the facility immediately after the incident. Part of the prison was set on fire.
Makala Central Prison
Makala Central Prison, or Makala Prison, is the biggest prison in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), located in its capital city, Kinshasa. It is located in the city center, 3 miles (4.8 km) from the presidential palace.
Kinshasa
Kinshasa, formerly named Léopoldville from 1881–1966, is the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Kinshasa is one of the world's fastest-growing megacities, with an estimated population of 17.8 million in 2024. It is the most densely populated city in the DRC, the second-most populous city and third-largest metropolitan area in Africa, and the world's twenty-second most populous city and fourth-most populous capital city. It is the leading economic, political, and cultural center of the DRC, housing several industries including manufacturing, telecommunications, banking, and entertainment. The city also hosts some of DRC's significant institutional buildings, such as the People's Palace, Palace of the Nation, Court of Cassation, Constitutional Court, African Union City, Marble Palace, Martyrs Stadium, Government House, Kinshasa Financial Center, and other national departments and agencies.
September 2
September 2 is the 245th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 120 days remain until the end of the year.