Kinshasa: Critical overcrowding at Makala prison prompts government to suspend admissions of new detainees

In response to extreme overcrowding at Makala Central Prison, the Congolese justice minister issued a circular on October 22, 2026, barring new admissions except under exceptional judicial authorization. Built to hold 1,500 people, the prison now houses at least 16,155, including 303 women and 201 minors in conflict with the law. The government describes the temporary measure as an urgent response to security, health and humanitarian concerns, as access to healthcare, food and adequate hygiene is severely compromised. The directive was sent to prosecutors and courts in Kinshasa under the prison regime law of June 15, 2023.