REDHAC demands immediate reconstruction of the Douala prison

The Network of Human Rights Defenders in Central Africa (REDHAC) has expressed interest in the fate of the inmates of the central prison in Douala after the terrible fire of September 12, 2015.

During a press conference held Monday, September 14, 2015 in Douala Maximilienne, the Executive Director of REDHAC, Ngo Mbe, made several recommendations to the Cameroonian authorities responsible for the management of prisons and other detention facilities.

They proposed "the creation of an emergency office in the compound of the central prison to host public prosecutors, psychologists, doctors and associations working in the prisons with each member assigned a specific role."

"Prosecutors must review records and grant bail to offenders and other defendants who can give a guarantee of moral/ financial support and / or an address to find them," they added.

The group also requests psychologists to take care of the prisoners. For associations operating in prisons, they want them to "help prison authorities in their difficult situation to ensure the safety of the people who already live in a psychosis."

Furthermore, the REDHAC recommends the State of Cameroon build a decent prison located away from the populous area and the construction of a special prison for young girls and women. The group also called for a detention center which should be devoted to the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders and minors.