Mon Sep 23 22:30:27 UTC 2024: ## Congo Releases Over 1,600 Ill Inmates from Overcrowded Prison Amidst Concerns Over Conditions

**KINSHASA, CONGO** – In an effort to alleviate the dire conditions at Congo’s largest prison, Makala Central Prison, nearly 1,700 ill inmates were released on Monday, according to Justice Minister Constant Mutamba. The operation, conducted in the capital Kinshasa, saw severely ill prisoners receive immediate medical care, while others were transported home on buses provided by the Ministry of Justice and a state-owned company.

Makala prison, designed for a capacity of 1,500 inmates, currently holds over 12,000, with most awaiting trial, according to Amnesty International. The prison has been plagued by overcrowding and inadequate conditions, leading to an attempted jailbreak earlier this month that resulted in the deaths of at least 129 individuals.

The incident, attributed to overcrowding and poor conditions, highlighted the desperate situation within the prison walls. Inmates have long complained about the lack of beds, poor feeding, and inadequate sanitation. Despite warnings from prison rights activists, authorities failed to address these concerns, leading to a tragic outcome.

Prominent journalist Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala, who spent months detained at Makala, described the conditions as “deplorable and inhumane,” highlighting the lack of food, water, and medical care. The prison also houses nearly 700 women and hundreds of minors, who are treated as adults despite their age.

The release of the ill inmates follows a previous release of 600 inmates, including minors, last week. The Minister of Justice has also announced plans for the construction of a new prison in Kinshasa, although details are scarce. The focus remains on alleviating the burden on Makala and improving conditions for the remaining inmates.

The tragic events at Makala prison have brought attention to the dire need for prison reform in Congo. The government has acknowledged the need for action, but it remains to be seen if these recent releases and future plans will be sufficient to address the deeply rooted problems within the country’s prison system.

Read More