Prisoners want better conditions

Inmates of Yaounde’s central prison, on Tuesday, petitioned Justice Minister Robert Mbappe for improved conditions and more humane treatment, AFP reported. They complained about lack of medical care, poor food and overcrowding. They also asked for speedier trials so as to alleviate the congestion in the facility. Only 300 of the prisoners have been convicted whereas 3,000 are awaiting trial, AFP said. Some of the detentions have been arbitrary and politically motivated. Detention facilities in Yaounde and Douala, the second largest city, are awaiting renovations following a promise by the government in April 2000 to allocate 100 million francs CFA to improve them.