Tanzania’s Prisons Under Fire: Experts Call for Comprehensive Reforms to Combat Abuse

By Adonis Byemelwa

Tanzania's correctional institutions are facing mounting pressure to address systemic failures as reports of abuse and neglect within the prison system continue to surface. Former Chief Justice Othman Chande, Commissioner General of Tanzania Prisons, Mzee Nyamka, and Former inmates like Jumanne Hamza and Khadija Abdul have all recounted harrowing tales of abuse and neglect during their time in custody.

The harrowing accounts shed light on the urgent need for reform within Tanzania's prisons. "The conditions within Tanzanian prisons are deplorable," remarked Former Inmate Jumanne Hamza. "We were subjected to overcrowding, unsanitary living conditions, and physical abuse by prison officers. It's a nightmare that no one should endure."

In a groundbreaking study titled "State Coercion and Freedom in Tanzania" (1990), Professor Issa Shivji of the University of Dar-es-Salaam highlights the urgent need to address systemic failures within the Tanzanian Prison Service. Professor Shivji emphasizes that these issues not only violate the human rights of prisoners but also undermine the integrity of the justice system.

Former Arusha MP Godbless Lema's harrowing accounts of abuse and neglect during his time at Kisongo prison in the Arusha region shed light on the urgent need for reform within Tanzania's correctional institutions.

 Lema's testimony, coupled with the findings from the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) in 2022, highlights the dire conditions faced by inmates across the country, prompting calls for comprehensive reforms to address systemic failures.

LHRC's report highlights the pervasive issues plaguing Tanzania's prisons, including overcrowding, inadequate resources, and instances of abuse and neglect. The study reveals that prisons continue to hold more inmates than their capacity, with pretrial detainees and convicted prisoners often held together.

The lack of detention facilities results in minors being detained alongside adults, exacerbating the already harsh and life-threatening conditions. Furthermore, physical abuse of prisoners is reported as common, with women inmates particularly vulnerable to sexual harassment and beatings by prison authorities.

In response to these findings, former Arusha MP Godbless Lema has spoken out about his personal experiences, corroborating the systemic failures documented by LHRC. Lema's firsthand testimony adds a human element to the report, illustrating the suffering endured by inmates within Tanzania's correctional facilities. His accounts of overcrowding, unsanitary living conditions, and physical abuse by prison officers underscore the urgency of addressing these issues.

Calls for reform have intensified, with stakeholders demanding accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights within Tanzania's correctional institutions. Former Chief Justice, Othman Chande, emphasizes the importance of holding the prison system accountable for its actions, asserting that transparency is key to rebuilding public trust.

Amidst alarming LHRC statistics from 2020, Tanzania's Commissioner General of Prisons openly admits to the daunting challenges facing the correctional system. With 32,671 inmates crammed into facilities designed for 29,760, overcrowding demands urgent action.

A report from the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) highlights the urgency for external support, emphasizing the indispensable role of international partners such as the UN and human rights organizations. LHRC's findings suggest that Tanzania's prisons require external assistance to enact substantive reforms, leveraging international best practices in prison management and rehabilitation to enhance conditions and facilitate effective rehabilitation programs.

The situation within Tanzanian prisons paints a grim picture, with overcrowding exacerbating existing challenges. Notably, pretrial detainees and convicted prisoners are held together, further straining resources and potentially compromising safety. Alarmingly, the lack of detention facilities has led to minors being detained alongside adults, raising serious concerns about their well-being and protection.

Reports of abuse and mistreatment within these facilities highlight the urgent need for reform. Instances of physical abuse, sexual harassment, and beatings reported by women prisoners underscore the pervasive nature of the challenges facing Tanzania's correctional system. Despite these harrowing accounts, there remains a notable absence of data on the prevalence of deaths in prisons, raising questions about transparency and accountability within the system.

Of particular concern is the disproportionate impact of these issues on marginalized racial and ethnic communities. While statistical data indicates that these communities are not overrepresented among victims of abuse, the persistence of such incidents underscores the need for targeted interventions to address systemic inequalities within the prison system.

Addressing the root causes of abuse and neglect within Tanzania's correctional facilities requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes accountability, transparency, and human rights. Dr. Sara Aba, a senior law enforcement official with a reputation for problem-solving, emphasizes the importance of comprehensive reforms that address systemic challenges head-on.

Dr. Aba highlights the need for accountability and supervision mechanisms within correctional facilities, citing her experience in Ghanaian prisons. She stresses the importance of regular monitoring by independent bodies, such as human rights organizations, to verify compliance and hold perpetrators accountable.

Additionally, Dr. Aba emphasizes the importance of investing in staff training and professionalism to create a culture of respect and accountability within the prison environment. She points to examples from developed countries like Canada, the United States, and Finland, where extensive training on human rights, ethical conduct, and proper procedures for interacting with inmates has led to improved conditions and reduced instances of abuse.

Improving conditions within prisons, such as addressing overcrowding and providing access to necessities like food, water, and healthcare, is essential for mitigating the risk of abuse. Dr. Aba also highlights the importance of promoting transparency and reporting mechanisms to encourage inmates to come forward with incidents of abuse without fear of retaliation.

As well, Dr. Aba underlines the need for rehabilitation and support services to address the underlying causes of misconduct among both inmates and staff. By providing access to education, vocational training, and mental health care, prisons can promote constructive behavior and reduce tensions within the facilities.

The call for legal reforms to prevent and address abuse and neglect within Tanzania's correctional facilities aligns with the objectives of the Justice Commission orchestrated by Judge Othman Chande.

As former Chief Justice Chande emphasizes the importance of accountability and transparency within the prison system, Dr. Aba's point about enacting legislation to prohibit torture and establish independent oversight systems resonates deeply.

The collaborative effort advocated by both Dr. Aba and Retired Judge Chande underlines the necessity of prioritizing human rights and upholding the integrity of the justice system.

By drawing on examples from developed countries where legal frameworks have been strengthened to ensure the protection of inmates' rights, Tanzania can chart a path towards comprehensive reforms.

Learning from international best practices, particularly in establishing independent oversight mechanisms and enacting legislation to prevent abuse, Tanzania can create a safer and more humane environment within its correctional facilities.

The convergence of perspectives from Dr. Aba, Former Chief Justice Chande, and other stakeholders highlights the urgency of addressing systemic failures within Tanzania's prisons. Through a collaborative approach that prioritizes accountability, transparency, and human rights, Tanzania can pave the way for meaningful change.

 As the Justice Commission spearheads efforts to reform the correctional system, it signals a commitment to upholding justice and dignity for all individuals, both within and outside the prison walls. This concerted effort not only enhances the integrity of the justice system but also fosters a society built on principles of fairness, compassion, and respect.