In response to these challenges and needs, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Malagasy Ministry of Justice organized a workshop on prisons in early October 2024 which brought together 14 French-speaking African countries. This workshop follows the workshops that have taken place every two years in different African capitals since 2017.

“The aim of the workshop is to give people from prison services from different African countries the opportunity to share their experiences with each other, as well as with ICRC experts,” explains Mr Ciss. “We hope that they will learn as much as possible and then try to implement what they have learned when they return to their country. Whether it’s improving rehabilitation or building new prisons, we hope they take into account all the best practices they learn here.

Unfortunately, existing prisons are often poorly maintained. For example, it is common to find damaged equipment that has not been repaired and blocked or dirty pipes, leading to a lack of water and poor hygiene conditions, endangering the health of prisoners. Humane conditions of detention must be preserved and the maintenance of prisons is an essential element. Authorities must find alternatives to detention and, as a last resort, replace dilapidated facilities to ensure that detainees are treated humanely.

“We cannot do everything at once, but it is clear that we are progressing gradually,” declared Ms. Rahantarilalao, following the visit to Imerintsiatosika prison.