On Monday, May 6, a massive transfer operation of detainees was carried out by the prison authorities of Kalemie, in the province of Tanganyika. This movement involved around a hundred prisoners, some of whom were serving significant sentences, to the prisons of Kassapa in Lubumbashi and Buluo in Likasi, located in the province of Haut-Katanga. The organization of this transfer was carried out using a military aircraft, thus underlining the scale of this initiative.
Kalemie Central Prison, built in 1928 to house 250 inmates, today accommodates more than 800 prisoners, far exceeding its design capacity. This overcrowding situation endangers the conditions of detention of prisoners and the security of the premises. In this context, the transfer of prisoners to other establishments is crucial to relieve congestion at Kalemie prison and guarantee a safer and more functional environment.
The provincial authorities of Tanganyika, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), facilitated this transfer operation. The provincial Minister of the Interior, Dieudonne Kasaka, stressed that this initiative is part of a broader approach to combating insecurity in Kalemie. Indeed, the mysterious release of certain prisoners before the end of their sentence represents a threat to public order, hence the need to review the prison system in place.
In addition to transfers to Kassapa and Buluo prisons, other detainees should be sent to Angenga prison in Mongala province. This prisoner distribution strategy will help reduce prison overcrowding in Kalemie and improve the conditions of detention of the remaining prisoners.
A second transfer phase is planned for Wednesday May 8, demonstrating the authorities’ commitment to resolving this problem. It is essential to adequately address the issue of prison overcrowding and ensure that prison facilities are able to ensure the safety of prisoners and staff.
In conclusion, the transfer of inmates from Kalemie prison to other prisons constitutes an important step in managing prison overcrowding and preserving public security. It highlights efforts by the authorities to improve detention conditions and ensure the proper functioning of the justice system in Tanganyika province.