Two killed as nearly 1,000 prisoners escape DR Congo jail
A prisoner stands in an alley of the Bunia Prison March 30, 2006 in Bunia, Congo. The prison, which houses mainly former FARDC (Forces Armees de la Republique Democratique du Congo) soldiers, the national army of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who have either mutinied or joined various militias, is overcrowded with poor living conditions. Africa has some of the worst prison facilities in the world, with overcrowding, prisoner abuse and malnutrition a growing problem, according to reports.
Nearly 1,000 prisoners, including a former militia leader, have escaped from a jail in the southeast Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after a raid by armed men wearing masks.
The attack on the prison in Lubumbashi city was aimed at freeing a militia leader, Gedeon Kyungu Mutanga, who had been sentenced to death, Katanga province Information Minister Dkianga Kazadi told Agence France-Presse.
Eight masked gunmen entered the prison and opened fire on prison guards and police, killing two people, Kazadi told AFP. The dead were a police officer and a young man visiting his brother in jail, the Associated Press says.
Opinion from GlobalPost: How warlords and Washington lobbyists undermine stability in Eastern Congo
Kazadi said police had recaptured 152 of the 967 prisoners who had escaped in the massive jailbreak.
The BBC reports that Mutanga, a former commander of the Mai Mai militia movement,had escaped in the Lubumbashi prison raid. Mutanga, known as "Commander Gedeon," was sentenced to death in 2009 for his crimes, AFP says.
Prison breaks are not uncommon in the DRC. Nearly 200 prisoners escaped from a jail in the country's northwest last year.
More DRC news from GlobalPost: Eastern Congo’s mining at turning point
There is no paywall on the story you just read because a community of dedicated listeners and readers have contributed to keep the global news you rely on free and accessible for all. Will you join the 319 donors who have supported The World so far? From now until Dec. 31, your gift will help us unlock a $67,000 match. Donate today to double your impact!