In the tumult of the Estates General of Justice recently held in the Democratic Republic of Congo, one innovative proposal particularly attracted attention: the creation of a prison intelligence service. Faced with the alarming rise in criminal activities orchestrated from inside prisons by organized networks, this initiative is intended to be a bold and proactive response to strengthen security within penitentiary establishments.
The meetings were the scene of intense debates, and among the 359 recommendations formulated, some highlighted the imperative to accelerate criminal proceedings in order to reduce long pretrial detentions that fuel prison overcrowding. Drastic measures, such as the construction of new prisons and the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, were mentioned to remedy the deplorable conditions in the establishments, particularly in the Makala central prison, which is overcrowded and dilapidated.
Beyond the security aspect, participants also raised the need to develop educational programs and vocational training for prisoners, in order to promote their social reintegration and prevent recidivism. These initiatives would be accompanied by ongoing training for prison staff, a key player in the management and security of prisons.
To ensure the effectiveness of these reforms, participants called for rapid implementation of the law governing the prison regime, by adopting specific regulatory acts to give concrete form to the fundamental principles set out.
These proposals emerge in a context marked by tragic events, such as the recent escape attempt at Makala prison that caused the death of many prisoners. These tragedies highlight the urgency of transforming an outdated prison system, which struggles to guarantee security and basic respect for human dignity.
Beyond the immense challenges that lie ahead, this desire for reform reflects a collective awareness and a commitment to building a fairer and safer future for all, overcoming divisions to work together towards a more humane and equitable society. The road is long, strewn with obstacles, but there is still hope that these combined efforts will pave the way towards a fairer prison system that respects the fundamental rights of each individual.