Fatshimetrie, October 10, 2024 – A glimmer of hope has passed through the Buluo and Boma penitentiary establishments in Likasi, Haut-Katanga province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the conditional release of thirty prisoners. This decision was taken during the assessment visit of prison conditions carried out by Constant Mutamba, Minister of State in charge of Justice.
The release of the prisoners was carried out in accordance with the rights of the detainees and in accordance with the legal procedures in force. Constant Mutamba stressed the importance of ensuring fair and equitable releases, leaving a team on site to closely monitor individual cases. Each file will be examined carefully to determine those who could benefit from this measure of clemency.
In addition to the releases, the Minister of Justice also chaired a public audience on the esplanade of the Likasi town hall. This initiative aimed to strengthen the link between justice and the population, thus allowing citizens to express their concerns and difficulties encountered with the judicial system. Constant Mutamba stressed the importance of accessible and equitable justice for all citizens.
The statistics of the prison populations of Buluo and Boma were also revealed during this visit. In Buluo, 443 prisoners are languishing behind bars, the majority of whom have already been sentenced. In Boma, 211 prisoners are incarcerated, among whom eight are women. This visit highlighted prison overcrowding and the need to modernize and decongest penitentiary establishments.
In conclusion, this visit by the Minister of Justice marks an important step towards the modernization of the prison system in the DRC. By highlighting prison conditions and granting conditional releases, the government is strengthening the transparency and humanization of the judicial system. Fair and accessible justice for all is not only a fundamental right, but also an imperative for building a more just and balanced society. ACP/JF