Human Rights Minister Frames Prison Overcrowding as Global Challenge

Kinshasa, DRC, August 8, 2026 - Human Rights Minister Samuel Mbemba Kabuya addressed the pressing issue of prison overcrowding in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during a press conference on August 8. He emphasized that the challenges of detention overcrowding, malnutrition, and inadequate medical care are not unique to the DRC but are a global concern. Citing Belgium's consideration of renting prison space from the Netherlands as an example, Kabuya underscored the need for innovative solutions to address these systemic issues. He announced that the government is actively constructing new facilities to accommodate both convicts and pre-trial detainees, aiming to alleviate the current overcrowding crisis.

Kabuya confirmed that a national prison inventory was conducted following the September 2024 Makala prison escape attempt, which occurred during his tenure as deputy minister of justice. He indicated that a report detailing the findings of this inventory exists and could be made public after discussions with the Justice Minister. When questioned about the number of deaths in custody attributed to lack of care and food since he took office, Kabuya refrained from providing specific figures. He acknowledged that while transfers to medical care are authorized when health issues are reported, such transfers do not always occur in a timely manner, leading to preventable fatalities.

In related developments, the Court of Cassation held a significant hearing on July 31 regarding the trial of former Justice Minister Constant Mutamba, who was absent from the proceedings. Mutamba had previously stormed out of a hearing over allegations of false mentions in a summons and had refused to register a complaint against the court clerk. He is being pursued alongside former FRIVAO coordinator Chançard Bolukola for contested disbursements, including a notable USD 14.3 million payment to Congo Energy. Mutamba, who was sentenced on September 2, 2025, to three years of hard labor and a five-year ban from voting and holding public office, is also required to make restitution of USD 19 million related to funds linked to the Kisangani prison.