Makala Central Prison
| Location | Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo |
|---|---|
| Status | Operational |
| Capacity | 1,500 |
| Population | 14,000–15,000 (as of 2024) |
| Notable prisoners | |
| Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala, Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, Emmanuel Dungia, Bruno Tshibala, Muanda Nsemi | |
Makala Central Prison (French: Prison centrale de Makala), or Makala Prison (French: Prison de Makala, Lingala: Bolóko ya Makala), is the biggest prison in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), located in its capital city, Kinshasa. It is located in the city center, 3 miles (4.8 km) from the presidential palace.
Makala Prison is located between the communes of Makala and Selembao. With a theoretical capacity of 1,500 detainees, Makala is the only detention centre in Kinshasa, with the exception of Ndolo military prison.
The security of each of the eleven pavilions where prisoners are housed is ensured by the inmates. There are no police officers or prison guards inside the site. Instead, prisoners armed with batons guard the entrances and exits of each pavilion.