**Prison de Makala: Inmate Population Halved Under Constant Mutamba’s Justice Ministry**
The Central Penitentiary Rehabilitation Center of Kinshasa (CPRK), commonly known as Makala Central Prison, has seen a significant drop in its inmate population, from over 16,000 in June 2024 to approximately 8,000 as of today. These numbers were unveiled on Monday, January 6, 2025, during a joint briefing by the Minister of Justice, Constant Mutamba, and the Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya.
### **Efforts to Reduce Overcrowding**
According to Constant Mutamba, this remarkable reduction is the result of ongoing efforts to alleviate congestion at this iconic penitentiary facility. The minister also stated that the mortality rate at Makala has significantly decreased as a result of these initiatives.
“When we arrived in June 2024, the prison had over 16,000 inmates. Today, in December 2024, that number has dropped to 8,000. This demonstrates the efforts made to alleviate congestion in the prison. The once alarming mortality rate has also declined. These outcomes are a result of clear political will and a commitment to executing the instructions of the highest magistrate,” said the Minister of Justice.
### **Reforming Detention Conditions**
Constant Mutamba emphasized the need to reform detention conditions in Congolese prisons, particularly at Makala. The minister denounced the chaos that prevailed before their arrival:
“At Makala, we found inmates in possession of weapons, stoves, and phones. Such a situation does not exist anywhere else in the world. We were not appointed to tolerate these abuses. Our mission is to reform and rectify the prison system.”
The minister also announced a policy to build new prisons to improve detention conditions and ensure the safety of inmates.
### **History and Challenges**
Established in 1957 under Belgian colonial administration, Makala Prison is located between the Makala and Selembao communes. Despite having a theoretical capacity of 1,500 inmates, it has long been overcrowded, sometimes housing over 16,000 occupants. Internal security management is handled by the inmates themselves due to the lack of police officers or guards inside the pavilions.
The release of clandestine videos by Stanis Bujakera, a journalist and former inmate of Makala, shed light on the appalling living conditions in this facility. These revelations prompted the government to initiate a process of parole to alleviate prison overcrowding.
In conclusion, the efforts led by Constant Mutamba’s Justice Ministry have significantly reduced the inmate population at Makala Prison, paving the way for a more humane and secure detention environment. This progress underscores the importance of ongoing reforms in the Congolese prison system to uphold the rights and dignity of all individuals in custody.