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Makala Prison: Behind bars at DR Congo's most notorious jail

BBC
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' Makala is not a prison, but a detention centre resembling a concentration camp, where people are sent to die', says former inmate Stanis Bujakera .

The prison, located in capital city Kinshasa , has a capacity of 1,500 prisoners but is estimated to hold around 10 times more.

Human rights groups have long complained of dire conditions at Makala , including overcrowding, unsubstantial food and poor access to clean water.

In 2017 , charity reported that at least 17 prisoners starved to death following food shortages in Makala .

Mr Manketa said it was "possible" that Makala 's testing environment led to the attempt to escape.

Authorities should build new prisons and improve existing ones, he argues.