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At Least 129 Killed in Mass Prison Break Attempt in DR Congo
A devastating attempted mass breakout from the largest prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo has left at least 129 people dead, with many more injured. The incident occurred at Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa, where prisoners tried to break out en masse at around 2 a.m. local time (9 p.m. ET) on Monday. According to Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo Bihango, 24 people were killed by gunshot after warning, while others died from jostling, suffocation, and rape. 59 people are receiving medical care, and extensive damage has been reported to several prison buildings
“The provisional human toll stands at 129 dead including 24 by gunshot after warning. The others died by jostling, suffocation and some women were raped,” Bihango said. One Kinshasa resident, Daddi Soso, told Agence France-Presse that gunfire rang out for several hours during the incident and that he later saw security vehicles removing bodies from the scene. Graphic videos circulating on social media showed dozens of bloodied corpses on the ground.
The prison, which was built to hold 1,500 people, was severely overcrowded with over 12,000 inmates, mostly pretrial detainees. The attempted breakout is the latest in a series of violent attacks on jails in the central African nation. Several prison buildings, including offices, the registry, the infirmary, and food depots, were destroyed by fires during the attempted prison break.
Interior minister Bihango convened a crisis meeting of the country’s defense and security services on Tuesday after receiving instructions from the country’s “senior hierarchy. “The government is relieved “by the restored calm,” he said, adding that investigations into the incident are ongoing. Justice Minister Constant Mutamba condemned the prison break attempt as a “pre-meditated act of sabotage.”
Read also : Kenya Court Orders Extradition Of Man Accused Of Murdering Girlfriend In US
Mutamba barred public prosecutors from transferring any inmates to Makala prison “until further notice” as part of a series of measures he announced to tackle over-crowding at the country’s prisons. In a statement on X, the European Union called for “an independent and rapid investigation to shed light on these tragic events and establish responsibilities. “Prison breaks are common in the DRC, with several attacks launched on correctional facilities in recent years. In 2017, more than 50 inmates, including the leader of a religious sect, broke free from the Makala prison following an invasion by the group.
In 2020, a rebel group linked to ISIS claimed responsibility for a jailbreak that freed nearly 1,000 inmates from a prison in Beni, in northeastern DRC. At least 11 people, including security personnel, were killed in that attack. Another prison break was recorded the following year at Matadi, one of the country’s oldest prisons, which saw the escape of 189 prisoners. More than 200 other detainees escaped from the same prison in 2022 after seizing weapons from the facility’s armory.
Welcome to the 32nd edition of Diaspora Watch, your premier source of news, insights, and analysis on the global diaspora community. In this edition, we delve into the most pressing issues affecting diaspora communities worldwide, from politics and economics to social justice and culture.
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Our cover headlines are as diverse as they are impactful. We examine Nigeria’s lavish military retirement perks, which have raised eyebrows and ire among citizens. We also report on the devastating earthquake that struck Tibet, killing at least 95 people and injuring 130 others.
In the world of politics, we cover President Biden’s honoring of 19 exceptional individuals with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as well as Austria’s precarious political situation as coalition talks collapse.
In addition, we celebrate the achievements of outstanding individuals, including Abbie Stockard, the newly crowned Miss America 2025, and Demi Moore, who won her first Golden Globe Award for her role in “The Substance.” We also report on Microsoft’s record $80 billion investment in AI infrastructure and CARICOM Chair Mia Mottley’s ambitious agenda for 2025.
Other notable stories in this edition include the massive fire that destroyed Kantamanto Market in Ghana, affecting over 30,000 traders, and Nigeria’s travel advisory for citizens traveling to Australia.
We also profile Nigeria-born Derek Obialo, who was sworn in as Associate Judge of the 240th District Court in Texas.
As always, Diaspora Watch is committed to providing you with the most comprehensive and engaging coverage of the global diaspora community. We hope you enjoy this edition and look forward to your feedback.
Dignitaries, Chiefs, Others In Attendance As PCNI Austin Branch Celebrates End of Year Party In Texas
It was a night of glamour and excitement as the Austin Branch of the People’s Club of Nigeria International (PCNI) held its end of year party on Saturday, November 30, 2024.Diaspora Watch reports that the well-attended event, which took place at Wingate by Wyndham Round Rock Hotel and Conference Center, Texas, was a celebration of the branch’s achievements and a show of appreciation to God for His blessings throughout the year.
In his address, Hon. Chief Chris Lemchi, the Action Chairman of PCNI Austin Branch who doubles as Akudo 1 of Okwelle Ancient Kingdom welcomed guests and appreciated the presence of dignitaries from various branches of the club.
The event was also graced by the presence of Patron-Elect Ichie Napoleon Onyeje, Mirienweiro, Hon. Patron Chief Dr. Don Ibekwe, Ulu Nimo from Galveston Branch, Patron, Chief Dr. Onyekachi Okoro, Patron-Elect, First National PCNI Vice President Emeritus, Chairman Emeritus, Secretary Emeritus Dallas Branch and the Sponsoring Chairman of our awesome Austin Branch, Assistant National Secretary Hon. Emmanuel Onwukamuche, Secretary Emeritus, First International Branch Houston, High Chief Humphrey Enyioha, Ikoroukwu Texarkana Branch, Hon. Chief Bright Nwokocha, Ugwumba, Chairman Emeritus, First International Branch – Houston, Hon. Nze Dr. Bon Ikwuagwu, Omekaozuo, Chairman 1st International Branch Houston, Hon. Ichie High Chief Sir Dr. Peter I. Okafor, Agbawodike Izu, Chairman Emeritus Dallas, Hon. Chief Chris Ogbuehi, Chairman-Elect – Dallas, Hon. Prince Ike Ginigeme, Founding Chairman Waco Branch, Hon. Chief Dr. Emma Igwe – Founding Chairman Texarkana Branch, Hon. Chief Dr. Emma Igwe, Founding Chairman Texarkana Branch, and Hon. Chief Clara Obidike-Egbim, Okwuru Okarisia 1 of Ebikoro Kingdom, Anyanwu Nwanneka – Founding Chairman of People’s Club of Nigeria- Gainesville Branch and PA to PCNI International President.
Other dignitaries included the President General of Enyimba, Honorable Ubabuike, UBA, Chief Martin Osuji, president Coal City, Chief Francis Odu, president Enyimba Austin, and Chief Fred Ojiyi, President IPC, Hon. Chief Chris Lemchi, Akudo 1 Of Okwelle Ancient Kingdom, Action Chairman PCNI Austin Branch, First Lady, Lolo Rachel Lemchi, Kpakpandudiya, Adakekeocha and Patron-Elect Ichie Napoleon Onyeje, Mirienweiro.
To promote cybersecurity education and awareness, Excel TeKay LLC has announced the release of two critical books, “Intro to Cybersecurity: Guide for Beginners” and “Cyber Scams: Don’t Be A Victim,” written by renowned cybersecurity expert Kimma Wreh. Now available on Amazon in paperback and hardcover, these books aim to equip readers with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and protect themselves in today’s digital world.
Diaspora Watch reports that “Intro to Cybersecurity: Guide for Beginners” is a comprehensive resource that simplifies complex cybersecurity topics, offering step-by-step guidance for individuals, families, and small businesses. Readers will learn practical tips for creating strong passwords, enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), managing IoT devices, and defending against threats like malware and phishing.
The book also explores mobile security, incident response, and pathways for pursuing cybersecurity careers, making it an accessible resource for anyone seeking to improve their digital safety. Wreh’s expertise and experience in the field shine through in this book, pro-viding readers with a solid foundation in cybersecurity principles.
In “Cyber Scams: Don’t Be A Victim”, Wreh exposes common online scams, including phishing, romance fraud, and malware attacks. Using real-world examples, including her personal experiences, she equips readers with tools to detect red flags, protect sensitive in-formation, and recover from breaches.
Highlighting the staggering $10 billion lost to cyber scams in 2023, Wreh provides actionable strategies to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals in today’s digital landscape. Her expertise and in-sights in this book are in-valuable, helping readers to develop a deeper under-standing of the tactics used by cyber scammers and how to protect themselves.
Kimma Wreh, a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), draws on over 15 years of expertise in cybersecurity and digital literacy. She is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of Excel Global Media Group Inc. and a Principal Consultant at Excel TeKay LLC.
“I want readers to feel confident about their digital safety and see cybersecurity as something they can master,” said Wreh. Her passion for empowering individuals and businesses to take control of their digital safety is evident throughout both books.
Both “Intro to Cybersecurity: Guide for Beginners” and “Cyber Scams: Don’t Be A Victim” are available now on Amazon.
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 32 – January 6 to 12, 2025
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 31 – DEC 30, 2024 – JAN 5, 2025
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 30 – Dec. 23 – 29, 2024
Diaspora Watch 20th Edition (October 14-20, 2024): Your Trusted Source for Global News and Insights
Revolutionary mRNA Lung Cancer Vaccine Trial Offers New Hope To Thousands
