Democratic Republic of Congo’s Justice Minister Constant Mutamba Announces Release of 527 Prisoners from Kinshasa’s Overcrowded Makala Central Prison
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News 5 minutes read.
Updated 11:53PM GMT Sun, 11August, 2024
In a significant move to address severe overcrowding, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Minister of Justice, Constant Mutamba, announced on Saturday, August 10, 2024, the release of 527 prisoners from the central prison of Makala in Kinshasa. This decision is part of a broader effort to alleviate the dire conditions faced by inmates at one of the country’s most notorious correctional facilities.
Overcrowding Crisis and Immediate Reforms
The central prison of Makala, which was originally constructed in 1957 to house 1,500 inmates, now struggles with a population exceeding 15,000, including women and children. This stark overcrowding has led to deplorable conditions, including inadequate living space, poor nutrition, and increased prevalence of waterborne and respiratory diseases.
In response to these conditions, Minister Mutamba also distributed 2,000 new mattresses to the prison, part of an order of 7,000 intended to improve the living standards of the inmates. “A state governed by the rule of law means that everyone must be subject to the law. Your place is in your home where you will spend the night tonight. You must return to your homes. In this regard, I inform you that next Saturday, we will continue with the release of some prisoners who have been unjustly detained,” Mutamba stated.
Ongoing Efforts to Improve Conditions
Mutamba underscored his commitment to reforming the prison system in line with directives from the Head of State. He emphasized that no prisoner should have to sleep on the floor, highlighting the recent distribution of mattresses and the ongoing manufacturing of beds. Additionally, the prison’s health center is undergoing essential rehabilitation, and several pavilions are being renovated to enhance the overall environment.
“Our ambition is to first reduce overcrowding in the prison and then to thoroughly rehabilitate it,” Mutamba explained. The government also plans to address the long-term issue of overcrowding with the construction of a new prison in Maluku, a site recently inspected by the Minister.
Background on Makala Central Prison
The Makala Central Prison, located in Kinshasa, is the largest penitentiary in the DRC. The recent government announcement in July included plans to release at least 7,000 inmates conditionally to ease the burden on the facility. The drastic increase in inmate numbers over the decades has resulted in severe overcrowding, making the prison a focal point for human rights and prison reform advocates.
For more information on the Democratic Republic of Congo’s prison reform efforts, you can visit these sources and reports.
