Fatshimetrie – Edition of Thursday, September 5, 2024
On this day of Thursday, September 5, 2024, a tragic event shook the Makala central prison in Kinshasa, provoking a cascade of reactions within the government and Congolese civil society. Following the attempted escape of the inmates, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka went there to assess the situation and supervise the recovery measures.
Accompanied by members of her government, she noted the damage caused by the fire that ravaged several pavilions of the prison, resulting in the death of 129 inmates according to the provisional report. The Prime Minister ordered urgent measures to care for the victims and secure the establishment. She also insisted on the need to continue the process of decongesting the prison centers while respecting the established procedures.
However, these events have generated tensions within the Ministry of Justice. Minister Constant Mutamba has taken measures to prohibit the transfer of prisoners to Makala prison, which has been strongly criticized by magistrates. The latter have defended the legitimacy of preventive detentions and warned against any challenge to their power, stressing the importance of preserving the rule of law and avoiding anarchy.
In parallel, the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) has launched an independent investigation to assess the damage and determine responsibilities in this case. This initiative aims to shed objective light on the events that occurred at Makala prison.
In this difficult context, it is crucial to find sustainable solutions to resolve the problems of prison overcrowding and ensure respect for the rights of detainees. The construction of new prisons and remand centers, as well as strict compliance with the law on detention and the penitentiary regime, are essential measures to avoid such tragedies in the future.
In conclusion, the situation at Makala Central Prison raises many questions about the Congolese prison system and the need for in-depth reform. The authorities must act decisively to ensure the safety of prisoners, respect for human rights and the prevention of tragic incidents such as the one that occurred recently.