Cholera at Makala Central Prison: temporary ban on new admissions

Kinshasa, February 15^th, 2026 (CPA).- The Ministry in charge of Justice has temporarily banned all new admissions to Makala Central Prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo to contain the spread of cholera, after the registration of several cases, including five deaths, according to its official circular received on Saturday by CPA. « According to health data confirmed by the National Institute for Biomedical Research, thirteen positive cases have been identified out of seventeen samples analysed, while fifteen new suspected cases have been reported on February 13^th. In response to this situation, the authorities have decided to temporarily ban all new admissions, to suspend or strictly limit visits and to immediately strengthen health measures, in particular by providing essential medicines, disinfectants and appropriate medical equipment, » it is read. According to the document, the implementation of these measures is being carried out in close coordination with the relevant health services in order to prevent the spread of the epidemic and to ensure the protection of the health and dignity of persons deprived of their liberty. With this in mind, the circular signed by the Minister of State in charge of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Guillaume Ngefa, has noted that a daily report on the evolution of the epidemiological situation must be sent to the competent authorities until the crisis is completely under control, while prison services are called upon to facilitate the intervention of medical and technical teams and to apply without delay the health recommendations formulated by the State.