Bangui: Children in Prison
By Isabella Luisa CAPELLI | LAMINE MEDIA
(Bangui, July 11, 2026 | LNC) There are currently 38 children held in the Ngaragba prison in Bangui—detained under questionable conditions, according to their defense—and only two have stood trial. Questions naturally arise regarding the reasons for imprisoning children, but in this country, the rule of law is virtually non-existent. Furthermore, regarding Ngaragba, there is talk—using euphemisms—of "dysfunctions in the penal chain" and a lack of specialized magistrates. Incidentally, a hearing took place yesterday at the Bangui Court; thanks to a prison monitoring mission, the children were represented by Lawyers Without Borders (ASF) and civil society organizations (CSOs). According to investigators, of the 38 detained minors, 22 have been formally charged, 14 are awaiting trial, and only two have received sentences for misdemeanors. These children range in age from 11 to 17. It should be noted that regulations regarding pre-trial detention are completely disregarded; no rehabilitation programs are available, and the detention conditions are unsuitable for children—especially those so young. It is worth noting that both the CAR and the USA apparently imprison minors in such atrocious conditions—particularly in the CAR. Faced with these systemic failures, ASF and civil society organizations are urging judicial authorities and their partners to implement short-, medium-, and long-term measures to strengthen the protection of children in conflict with the law. It is the very least that can be done.
LNC
Date: July 11, 2026
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