The prison conditions of the tenants of the Kakwangura central prison, in particular women prisoners, were at the heart of the discussions during a meeting between the mayor of Butembo and the national coordinator of the NGO “Colibri RDC”. This meeting, which took place on Friday July 28, 2023, aimed to find solutions to this problem, as well as to that of septic tanks within the prison establishment.
According to the coordinator of the NGO, Richard Ndekenyenge, correspondence has already been sent to the mayor regarding the problem of septic tanks, but has not yet received a response. It is therefore with the aim of discussing this issue in person that the meeting took place. The NGO has emptied part of the septic tanks, but some have not yet been treated, hence the need for intervention by the town hall.
The other concern discussed at the meeting is the cells for female prisoners, which require rehabilitation. According to Richard Ndekenyenge, the conditions in which these women are kept are unworthy. The NGO “Colibri RDC” plans to participate in the repair of the cells, but also seeks the contribution of the state authority in this process, stressing that the responsibility for the prisons lies with the Ministry of Justice.
The question of prison conditions, and in particular those of women prisoners, is an important issue in the DRC. Prisons are often overcrowded and the infrastructure dilapidated. This situation leads to human rights violations, inhuman and degrading treatment, and the rapid spread of disease.
It is essential that the authorities take concrete measures to improve conditions of detention and guarantee respect for the fundamental rights of prisoners. NGOs play a crucial role in this fight, but they need the support of state authority to carry out their actions.
The meeting between the mayor of Butembo and the coordinator of “Colibri RDC” is therefore a positive step in this direction. We hope that concrete solutions will be found to improve the prison conditions of the tenants of the Kakwangura central prison, in particular the female prisoners