**The thorny issue of Makala prison overcrowding: tensions between the Minister of Justice and magistrates**
For several weeks, Makala central prison has been at the heart of a controversy over prison overcrowding and tensions between the Minister of Justice, Constant Mutamba, and magistrates. This situation recently reached a climax with the minister’s inflammatory statements, accusing magistrates of sending detainees to Makala without taking into account its reception capacity.
During an inspection of Makala central prison, Constant Mutamba did not mince his words, denouncing “sabotage” on the part of magistrates who regularly send detainees to Makala, thus exacerbating the problem of overcrowding. The minister clearly expressed his frustration with this situation, which he describes as unjust, and called for firm measures to remedy it.
The Minister of Justice’s remarks have sparked a heated debate, sparking mixed reactions within the legal community. While some support Constant Mutamba’s accusations and call for sanctions against the incriminated magistrates, others denounce political interference in the functioning of justice and highlight the need to respect the independence of the judiciary.
Faced with this tense situation, the High Council of the Judiciary has positioned itself in opposition to a circular note from the Deputy Minister of Justice prohibiting the transfer of preventive detainees to Makala and Ndolo. This position highlights the deep divergences that exist around the management of prison overcrowding and collaboration between the judiciary and the executive.
Beyond verbal jousting and institutional tensions, it is essential to find lasting solutions to resolve the problem of prison overcrowding in Makala, which impacts not only the conditions of detention of detainees but also the proper functioning of justice in general. This situation also raises broader questions about respect for the rule of law and the separation of powers, two fundamental principles on which our democratic system is based.