The Bill Clinton Peace Foundation (BCPF) recently expressed concerns about detention conditions at Makala Central Prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In a statement by the president of the collective of human rights NGOs, the FBCP demanded improvements for convicted prisoners and pre-trial detainees in this prison.
In the same vein, the foundation also calls for the separation of military and civilian detainees incarcerated in this same prison, highlighting the unacceptable situation of jointly detaining military and civilians. The FBCP instead advocates transferring military prisoners to a high-security military prison.
Additionally, the Bill Clinton Peace Foundation calls for improved working conditions for prison and justice system employees. It also recommends more effective procedures for preventive detainees in order to ensure fair treatment for all.
The organization also condemned the incarceration of journalist Stany Bujakera, stressing that the arrest of a journalist in the exercise of his profession goes against freedom of information and the need to inform and educate the population.
Importantly, the recent visit of a delegation from the foundation to Makala Central Prison strengthened their resolve to advocate for these reforms and support the rights of prisoners.
The worrying situation at Makala central prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo highlights the pressing need for reforms in the Congolese prison system. The Bill Clinton Peace Foundation is sounding the alarm and calling for immediate action to improve prisoner conditions, to separate military and civilian detainees, and to ensure fair treatment for all.
It is essential that the Congolese authorities take these recommendations seriously and put in place effective measures to respond to the problems identified. Respect for the rights of prisoners and international standards regarding detention must not be neglected. The Bill Clinton Peace Foundation will continue to closely monitor this situation and defend the rights of prisoners in the Democratic Republic of Congo.