In a significant move to address prison overcrowding, authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have released 600 inmates from Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa. This action, announced by Justice Minister Constant Mutamba, comes in the wake of a recent deadly jailbreak attempt and aims to alleviate the severe congestion in the country's main penitentiary.
Makala Central Prison, designed to house 1,500 individuals, currently holds over 12,000 inmates, according to Amnesty International. This extreme overcrowding has led to deplorable conditions, with prisoners facing inadequate food, water, and medical care.
The release of prisoners is part of a broader initiative to improve the penal system in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country grappling with numerous challenges despite its vast natural resources. With a population exceeding 100 million and over 200 ethnic groups, the nation has struggled with political instability, corruption, and poverty since gaining independence from Belgium in 1960.
The recent jailbreak attempt, which occurred approximately a week ago, resulted in tragic consequences. Official reports indicate that 129 people lost their lives, either shot by guards and soldiers or killed in the ensuing stampede. However, Emmanuel Adu Cole, a prison rights activist, suggests the death toll may exceed 200. The incident also involved cases of sexual assault, as reported by Interior Minister Jacquemin Shabani.
Prisca Mbombo, a 22-year-old among the freed prisoners, expressed gratitude for her release after spending two months in detention. Her experience highlights the harsh realities faced by inmates, including women and minors, who are often treated similarly to adult prisoners.
"We have had a difficult time in recent days with everything that was happening here, there were rapes, we were victims, many of us died. We really thank this gesture from the minister and I will never return to this place."
The Justice Minister has ordered prison authorities to review cases of all minors for potential release. Currently, around 300 minors are held at Makala prison. Munganga Mungendo, a 16-year-old released after serving over a year for theft, expressed hope for returning to his studies.
Plans are also in place to release severely ill inmates starting today, September 22, 2024. This decision reflects the government's recognition of the urgent need to address the inhumane conditions in the prison system.
The situation at Makala Central Prison underscores the broader challenges facing the Democratic Republic of Congo. With one of the lowest GDP per capita globally and a high rate of poverty, the country struggles to provide adequate infrastructure and services. The prison overcrowding crisis is symptomatic of these wider issues, including a high rate of illiteracy and a young population with a median age of about 17 years.
As the Democratic Republic of Congo works to address its prison system's shortcomings, the international community watches closely. The country's efforts to improve conditions for its incarcerated population may serve as a crucial step towards addressing broader issues of governance and human rights in this resource-rich but troubled nation.