Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

3 minutes read. Updated 8:00AM GMT Tues, 23July, 2024

Makala prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has come under intense scrutiny following revelations of its dire conditions. Housing over 15,000 inmates, the prison’s population far exceeds its intended capacity of 1,500, creating a harrowing environment for detainees. The situation was highlighted in a December 2023 report by the Bill Clinton Foundation for Peace, which detailed the inhumane conditions faced by most inmates, who are in pre-trial detention.

Prominent journalist Stanis Bujakera, who has experienced detention in Makala firsthand, has brought international attention to the issue through videos posted on social media. His footage, depicting extreme overcrowding and squalid conditions, vividly illustrates his description of the prison as a place where “people are dying alive.”

The response from Congolese authorities has been swift yet dismissive. Justice Minister Constant Mutamba has claimed that efforts are underway to address overcrowding in all prisons across the DRC. He has criticized Bujakera’s videos as “old footage,” arguing that the government is providing adequately for prisoners’ food and medical needs, and insisting that the conditions are not as dire as depicted.

Despite these assurances, the international community remains concerned about the human rights violations occurring within Makala prison. The ongoing debate underscores the need for transparency and reform in the Congolese penal system.

For more insights on the human rights situation in the DRC, you can read here. To understand the broader implications of prison overcrowding, check out this detailed report.