On August 10, 2024, Justice Minister Constant Mutamba of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announced the release of approximately 527 prisoners from Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa. The release is part of an effort to alleviate severe overcrowding issues.
Mutamba also distributed 2,000 of the 7,000 ordered mattresses to enhance the conditions for the remaining detainees.
“The rule of law means everyone must be treated fairly. Tonight, you will return to your homes. We will continue to release more wrongfully held prisoners next Saturday,” Mutamba stated.
He reiterated his pledge to improve detention conditions as part of the ongoing reform efforts directed by the Head of State.
“This is what we are implementing. I also ensured that no prisoner would have to sleep on the floor again. As per the directives given to the Makala Central Prison director, we have already supplied the initial set of mattresses.
New beds are in production, and by next week, no inmate will have to sleep on the floor. Additionally, the prison’s health center is being refurbished, and several sections are being renovated. Our immediate goal is to address overcrowding, followed by a comprehensive rehabilitation of the facility,” he added.
Constant Mutamba also highlighted the completion of a new prison in Maluku.
In July, the Congolese government announced plans to release at least 7,000 inmates from Makala Central Prison to help manage the overcrowding issue.
Makala Central Prison, located in Kinshasa, is the largest correctional facility in the country. Originally built in 1957 to house 1,500 inmates, it now holds over 15,000 individuals, including women and children.
