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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.
In a bid to reduce the country’s planet-warming emissions, the UK government has announced a £180 million investment in solar panels for hundreds of schools and hospitals across the country.
This move is part of the government’s efforts to achieve its long-term climate goals and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The investment, which is the first major project from Great British Energy, the government’s new state owned energy company, is expected to provide solar panels for 200 schools and 200 hospitals.
This will not only help reduce energy bills but also cut carbon emissions and promote sustainability.
According to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, “Great British Energy’s first major project will be to help our vital public institutions save hundreds of millions on bills to reinvest on the frontline.”
He added that the project will help reduce the financial pressure of energy bills on schools and hospitals.
The announcement has been welcomed by schools, unions, and NHS estate managers, who have long been advocating for measures to reduce energy costs.
Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said that the investment is a “step in the right direction” and will help schools manage energy bills, which have been a significant financial burden in recent years.
However, not everyone is optimistic about the investment.
Andrew Bowie, shadow energy secretary, argued that the government’s net zero plans will make the country “poorer.”
He claimed that the investment will lead to increased reliance on foreign powers like Russia.
In contrast, energy experts believe that investing in renewable energy will reduce the UK’s reliance on imports.
Jess Ralston, energy analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said that the investment in solar panels will improve energy security and reduce the amount of gas imported from countries like Russia.
The first solar panels are expected to be installed by the end of the summer, with a focus on areas of “highest need.”
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DIASPORA WATCH 39TH EDITION: GLOBAL NEWS EXPLOSION!
Putin and Trump hold the fate of Ukraine in the balance as they engage in high-stakes talks! What will be the outcome? Find out inside!
Mark Carney sworn in as Canadian Prime Minister! A new era begins in Canadian politics, but what does the future hold?
Trump drops a bombshell, declaring Biden’s last-minute pardons “null and void”! The implications are staggering – get the full story inside!
Global growth set to slow down in 2025 and 2026, warns OECD report! What does this mean for the global economy?
SpaceX capsule delivers four astronauts to International Space Station! A historic achievement in space exploration that will leave you starstruck!
Your WhatsApp account can be compromised in minutes – find out how to stay safe online!
African Union rejects parallel government in Sudan, warns of country’s partition! The AU takes a firm stance on Sudan’s political crisis – get the latest inside!
Nigeria set to appoint new envoys as vetting process begins! Who will make the cut?
Nnamdi Kanu expresses gratitude as Chief Justice reassigned terrorism case! A significant development in the Nnamdi Kanu case – find out more!
ECOWAS Parliament intervenes in Guinea-Bissau, Liberia crises! Regional leaders work towards a peaceful resolution – get the full story!
And in a heartwarming turn of events, Asake reconciles with ailing father, promises new house and responsibility for 11-year-old daughter!
Diaspora Watch Unveils 38th Edition: Get ready for the most anticipated edition yet!
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Diaspora Watch is proud to present its 38th edition, packed with the latest news, trends, and analysis from around the world.
Our cover headlines are buzzing with hot topics: the mass trial of opposition figures in Tunisia, the UK government’s refusal to pay Rwanda over a canceled migrant deal, and Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress, outlining his vision for a second term.
But that’s not all – we’re also diving into the world of sports, with a special feature on Nigeria’s first Super Bowl winner, Moro Ojomo, who received a hero’s welcome at Aso Villa. And, meet the 35-year-old Nigerian man who’s making waves with his incredible talent for building helicopters and guns from rubber!
In our lifestyle section, we’re exploring the devastating consequences of procrastination and how to overcome it. Plus, find out why Nigerian celebrities are caught up in Lamborghini fever!
As always, Diaspora Watch is your premier source for compelling stories, analysis, and perspectives that matter to Africans everywhere.
So, grab your copy now and stay informed, inspired, and connected to the global African community!
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Diaspora Watch – Vol. 40
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