Nearly 200 inmates in the prison of Munzenze lost their lives during the evasion on 27th January 2025

 

Between 160 and 170 prisoners lost their lives on 27 January during a mass escape from the central prison of Munzenze.

This mass escape occurred on 27 January in a context of violent clashes between the Congolese army and the M23 rebels supported by the Rwandan army, while the latter intensified their offensive for control of the capital of the province of North Kivu.

Taking advantage of the entry of the M23 rebels into the city of Goma, the prisoners had organized a mass escape. To cover their escape, they had set fire to a large part of the prison. This act had dramatic consequences: at least 141 incarcerated women died in the fire, as well as 28 young children who were accompanying their mothers in detention.

Other inmates were shot dead as guards tried to contain the escape, a prison official said.

A week after the incident, Munzenze Prison was completely empty. The guards had left, and no inmates remained. Much of the facility was burned down, including the prison administration office. The prison was also ransacked in the aftermath of the escape.

Before the incident, Munzenze Central Prison held about 4,400 inmates, well beyond its capacity.