Democratic Republic Of Congo
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Makala prison holds over 15,000 inmates, far exceeding its 1,500 capacity.
Most are in pre-trial detention, creating inhumane conditions, according to a December 2023 report by the Bill Clinton Foundation for Peace.
Journalist Stanis Bujakera, formerly detained in Makala, posted videos on social media showing extreme overcrowding. He describes the prison as a place where "people are dying alive."
In response, Justice Minister Constant Mutamba claims efforts are underway to reduce overcrowding in all Congolese prisons.
He dismissed Bujakera's videos as "old footage" and asserted that the government provides adequately for prisoners' food and medical needs, insisting that conditions are not as bad as depicted.
01:14
Ex-commander of a Ugandan rebel group sentenced to 40 years in prison
Go to video
Tunisian lawyer sentenced to two years in prison
01:08
Türkiye under attack: African nations call out cowardly terrorism
01:44
Mental health crisis deepens amid ongoing conflict in eastern Congo
00:59
DR Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya elected to Human Rights Council
01:50
Boat accidents in DRC: a growing concern for travelers