Ugandan lawyer Kalali Steven has filed a lawsuit against the DRC at the East African Court of Justice, alleging severe human rights violations in Makala Central Prison, including extreme overcrowding, physical abuse, and sexual violence against female inmates. Following a deadly jailbreak attempt, Kalali seeks to hold the DRC accountable for violations of the EAC Treaty and international laws, demanding an improvement in prison conditions and compensation for affected inmates.
Kalali Steven, a Ugandan attorney, has initiated legal proceedings against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the East African Court of Justice, alleging egregious human rights abuses occurring in the Makala Central Prison. In his suit, Kalali brings forth serious accusations against the DRC government pertaining to extreme overcrowding, instances of physical abuse, and alarming reports of sexual violence directed at female inmates within this Kinshasa-based correctional facility. Kalali asserts that the deplorable conditions within the prison violate not only the East African Community (EAC) Treaty but also a host of international human rights statutes. The case, lodged with the First Instance Division in Arusha, Tanzania, seeks to hold the DRC responsible as a Partner State of the EAC. This lawsuit is particularly timely in light of a tragic jailbreak attempt that transpired on September 1-2, 2024, which resulted in numerous fatalities amid brutal security responses. Kalali claims, “DRC forces used live ammunition on unarmed inmates,” blaming the incident for over 129 deaths, thereby infringing the fundamental right to life as enshrined in the EAC Treaty. At the time of this disastrous event, the Makala prison, originally constructed to accommodate 1,500 inmates, was reportedly housing an astonishing 14,000 detainees, according to United Nations assessments. Such overcrowding, Kalali contends, is a blatant violation of human dignity in disregard of Article 7(2) of the EAC Treaty, which calls for compliance with established international standards. Furthermore, the suit raises unsettling claims of sexual violence, noting that “269 out of 348 female prisoners reportedly experienced sexual abuse,” a finding corroborated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Kalali argues that the DRC’s failure to protect female inmates constitutes a breach of international agreements aimed at safeguarding women’s rights. In addition, the suit highlights the restricted legal access following the attempted escape, stating that legal representatives and civil organizations have been denied entry to the detainees, thereby contravening Article 8(1)(c) of the EAC Treaty. He remarks, “Inmates lack legal representation and necessary services, violating the Treaty’s principles on justice.” Moreover, Kalali alleges that minors are being unjustly imprisoned with adult inmates in Makala, a practice that poses a significant risk to younger detainees and contravenes both established international norms and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Through this lawsuit, Kalali seeks a court ruling declaring the DRC in breach of the EAC Treaty, financial reparations for the affected inmates, and a mandate for improving prison conditions. He also requests an injunction aimed at preventing future abuses. With this landmark case, Kalali emphasizes the urgent need for accountability of Partner States within the region concerning human rights protection. He articulates, “The EAC must ensure the protection of its citizens’ rights,” advocating for the court to enforce regional standards and compel the DRC to fulfill its human rights obligations. As the case progresses, human rights activists across East Africa are closely monitoring its potential repercussions on prisoner rights and state accountability, as the outcome may set a critical precedent for prison management and human rights practices across the region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced ongoing criticism concerning human rights abuses, particularly within its prison system. Overcrowding, inadequate living conditions, and violence against inmates are prominent issues that have drawn scrutiny from human rights organizations. The East African Court of Justice provides a legal avenue for addressing grievances against Partner States that violate human rights as laid out in the EAC Treaty. Kalali Steven’s lawsuit against the DRC represents a significant step in seeking accountability and reform within the prison system while highlighting the collaborative responsibility of EAC nations in upholding human rights standards.
In conclusion, Kalali Steven’s lawsuit against the DRC underscores severe allegations of human rights violations in Makala Central Prison, including extreme overcrowding, physical abuse, and sexual violence against female inmates. The outcome of this legal action holds the potential to reshape the dialogue around state accountability for human rights within the East African Community. The case reflects a critical challenge for the EAC in implementing and enforcing standards that protect the rights and dignity of all individuals subjected to its legal parameters. As this case unfolds, it may serve as a pivotal point for future human rights advocacy across the region.
Original Source: allafrica.com
