TAKE ACTION IN FAVOR OF PRISONERS

​

In Burundi, the general living conditions remain challenging, especially within the prison system. Many prisons are severely overcrowded, holding far more inmates than they were built for. According to the CNIDH's 2023 report, the 11 prisons in the country, with a capacity of 4,294 places, were housing 13,565 people by the end of 2023 — representing an occupancy rate of approximately 316%. This corroborates with Restobu’s studies on life of prisoners which revealed that some prisons held even 7 times than their initial capacity.

​

 This is often caused by the fact that some prisoners can be released by the courts whether provisionally ,  acquitted or ended sentence but get kept in prison unjustly. Lack of transport for judges and prisoners also delay cases and prisoners spend long periods without appearing before the courts. However, due to lack of means to pay lawyers, some prisoners spend longer periods in jail simply because there was no one to help accelerate their cases.

The CNIDH visits in 2024–2025 revealed frequent cases of arbitrary detention, extended periods of custody beyond legal limits with  the field visits revealing multiple cases of prisoners being held for minor offenses, some of whom have spent years in detention without proper documentation.

​

Overcrowding causes harsh and unsafe living conditions for inmates. Many prisoners are forced to sleep on bare floors or outside due to lack of space,  while limited sanitation and health services increase disease risks. Food shortages and inadequate medical care worsen their vulnerability. Overcrowding also fuels violence and psychological stress. Some detainees remain isolated, unsupported, and trapped in a system unable to meet their basic needs, especially those whose relatives live far or have no one to visit them. 

To help prisoners in need, Restobu, through its justice program, provides lawyers for inmates with limited means. Thanks to this initiative, hundreds of prisoners have been released. In addition, Restobu runs programs aimed at supporting their psychosocial reintegration into society.

​

On some occasions, Restobu takes humanitarian action in favor of prisoners especially those suffering harsh living conditions, especially those who don’t have support from outside. Moreover, Restoration Burundi has repetitively held sessions with leaders of various churches to sensitize them to take humanitarian action for prisoners as Jesus said  in Matthew 25:36: “I was naked and you clothed me . I was sick and you looked after me . I was in prison and you visited me.

In line with this mission, the organization is now sensitizing church leaders and pastors to share this compassionate vision with their congregations, encouraging them to take part in supporting those behind bars.

​

So, to celebrate Christmas Day with prisoners, Restobu plans to join churches  in a special visit to prisons to share with them Christmas celebrations. If you are interested, you are warmly welcome to join or contribute with whatever little you can.