馃嚞馃嚘GabonCentral Africa
Gabon: President Oligui Nguema assesses conditions at Port-Gentil juvenile detention center
via Gabon Review4 min read
During a visit to Port-Gentil, Gabon's economic capital, on April 13, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema inspected the city's juvenile detention center. The visit aimed to evaluate the care conditions for young detainees and the overall operation of the facility, aligning with an ambition for a more humane penitentiary system. President Oligui Nguema meticulously examined various areas, including dormitories, workshops, training rooms, and educational zones. He commended the staff's dedication and the efforts made to support minors in conflict with the law, emphasizing their role in fostering social reintegration. However, the President also acknowledged existing shortcomings, particularly the increasing pressure on capacity. He stressed the need for infrastructure expansion and instructed authorities to quickly plan an extension. Additionally, he advocated for the development of play areas, highlighting the importance of recreational activities for the psychological well-being of young detainees. President Oligui Nguema also addressed the living conditions of the staff, recommending the construction of dedicated housing to enhance their presence and ensure sustained supervision. This visit is part of a broader reform initiative by Gabonese authorities to humanize correctional facilities and prioritize the nation's youth, including its most vulnerable.
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