In an effort to alleviate overcrowding in prisons, authorities in Congo have released 600 prisoners from the main prison in the capital city of Kinshasa. Justice Minister Constant Mutamba made the announcement during a ceremony at Makala Central Prison.
The current capacity of Makala prison is 1,500 people, but it currently holds over 12,000 inmates, most of whom are awaiting trial, according to Amnesty International. Plans for the construction of a new prison in Kinshasa are in place to address this issue.
Tragically, a recent attempted jailbreak at the prison resulted in the death of 129 individuals. Some were shot by guards and soldiers, while others perished in a stampede due to the overcrowded conditions. The death toll has been disputed, with some sources indicating it may be over 200.
Reports of women being raped during the jailbreak have also emerged, highlighting the dire situation at the prison. Prominent prison rights activist Emmanuel Adu Cole has raised concerns about the poor conditions and lack of action by authorities despite prior warnings.
Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala, a journalist who was detained at Makala prison, described the facility as “deplorable and inhumane,” citing inadequate provisions and lack of medical care for inmates. The release of minors and severely ill inmates has been prioritized by Justice Minister Mutamba.
Overall, the move to release prisoners is seen as a positive step towards addressing the issues of overcrowding and poor conditions in Congolese prisons. The freed individuals, including 16-year-old Munganga Mungendo, are grateful for their newfound freedom and hope to rebuild their lives.
By Jean-yves Kamale
