Fatshimetrie
On September 4, 2024, a macabre scene shook the former Makala central prison in Kinshasa. As the country counted down the hours before a possible release of prisoners as part of a decongestion of prisons, a tragic escape turned into a tragedy. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka traveled to the penitentiary to see the damage firsthand and assess the situation.
Accompanied by members of the government, the Prime Minister walked through the prison wings, listening attentively to the testimonies of the still shocked prisoners. The figures announced are chilling: 129 prisoners lost their lives, including 24 shot dead, women were victims of violence, and key buildings such as the registry offices, the infirmary and the food depots were reduced to ashes.
The images of despair and destruction contrast sharply with the initial objective of decongesting prisons to relieve prison overcrowding. Makala, designed to accommodate 1,500 prisoners, is now overwhelmed by more than 15,000 individuals, living in undignified and inhumane conditions.
Faced with this tragedy, immediate measures were taken to try to restore a semblance of order and dignity. The Prime Minister insisted on the need to respect procedures in the process of decongesting prisons, stressing that these actions must be carried out with respect for human rights and the safety of all.
The restoration of electricity, the care of victims, particularly affected women, and the rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure are among the urgent issues to be addressed. However, beyond the material aspect, it is the fundamental question of prison reform that arises acutely. How can the prison overcrowding crisis be resolved? How can the safety of prisoners be guaranteed while respecting their rights?
These questions remain without clear answers, and the Makala incident highlights the deep shortcomings of the Congolese prison system. This tragedy is a cry of alarm, calling for urgent reflection and concrete actions for a more humane justice system that respects the dignity of each individual, even behind bars.