Fire in DR Congo prison kills more than 160 people

Over 160 people, including almost 30 children, died in a fire in a prison located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This was reported by radio station Okapi on February 3.

It is specified that on January 27, prisoners staged a mass escape. In order to conceal it, they set fire to a large part of the prison, which led to the death of 141 women and 28 children.

According to a prison official, other inmates were shot dead while trying to prevent the escape.

Before the escape was organized, the prison held about 4,400 inmates, exceeding its official capacity. However, at the moment there is no one left there. Most of the building has burned down, including the prison administration office.

On the brink of a major war: Rwanda and DR Congo fight over resources

The current conflict could affect the whole of Africa and affect the interests of Western countries

The situation in DR Congo escalated after the government severed diplomatic relations with Rwanda and accused the country of supporting rebels who launched a new offensive on the town of Goma. DRC's Foreign Ministry on January 26 announced the immediate withdrawal of its diplomats in the Rwandan capital Kigali and ordered the country's embassy in Kinshasa to cease operations within 48 hours.

Later on January 27, March 23 Movement (M23) leader Cornel Nangaa claimed control of the city of Goma. Rebels cut food and relief supplies routes from the south. UN Jan 31 reported at least 700 dead in Goma, 2,800 other residents injured. The movement's offensive continues.

The representative of the UN Secretary General Stephane Dujarric on January 31 reported the deaths of at least 700 people during the fighting in the city of Goma, located in DR Congo. Then he added that another 2.8 thousand people were injured.