New Bell Detention Conditions Commended

The results of a study on the prison were released in Douala over the weekend.

According to the National Commission for Human Rights and Freedom (NCHRF), the detention conditions in the Douala Central Prison at New Bell, have improved. The above revelation was made during the presentation of a study carried out in the prison from January 22-24, 2014 by NCHRF.

NCHRF Chairman, Dr. Chemuta Divine Banda, explained that the overall objective was to evaluate the prevailing situation in the prison and make recommendations on improving the living conditions of inmates. The head of the team that visited the prison, Barrister Balemaken, read out their findings. According to the report, 2,952 inmates were counted, though the accommodation capacity is 800 persons. This gives an overcrowding rate of 380 per cent.

Of the number, 2,064 detainees are awaiting trial, representing 70 per cent of the total number of inmates. Most of them are accused of criminal offences. Aspects like poor ventilation, hygiene and sanitation - especially in the disposal of used water - were highlighted. Also, many internees reportedly sleep in the open air as a result of overcrowding in cells. The study noted that the two doctors, 10 nurses and 10 beds at the disposal of inmates in the infirmary, were largely insufficient; coupled with high bills for health services.

On a positive note, the prison's management was lauded for the separation of cells for men, women, minors, the elderly, the sick, etc. Other strides include the existence of vocational training centres, ICT and computer training facilities, freedom of religion, a multi-media centre, the provision of two meals a day, the education of minors and the ongoing construction of a two-storey building to replace the one ravaged by fire in 2012.

Recommendations were made, which according to NCHRF, will give more relevance to Cameroon's judicial system. They requested that convicts who have served their full term but are held because for financial reasons, should be liberated and that the planned construction of a 5,000-capacity prison in Douala be hastened up to decongest the prison's population.

They also called for refresher training for staff at various levels for more efficiency, amelioration of inmate transfer procedures, and the transfer of minors in detention to the observation centres of the Ministry of Social Affairs. An interactive session ensued among the actors and stakeholders to shed more light on some aspects of the report.