A human rights group has called for urgent government action to address dire conditions at Wau Central Prison, where more than 50 inmates are suffering from skin infections due to poor sanitation and a shortage of medical supplies.
Stephen Robo Musa, state coordinator for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), described the prison as “one of the most neglected facilities” in Western Bahr el Ghazal.
“A prison is meant to be a reformatory institution where inmates can rehabilitate and eventually return to society,” Musa said. “But poor conditions, including food shortages and overcrowding, contribute to unsafe environments.”
Prison director Maj. Gen. Andrea Masharanga confirmed the outbreak, citing overflowing latrines, lack of drainage trucks, and overcrowding as major factors. He noted that the prison holds 1,007 inmates across Wau, Thur-Majok, and Raja.
CEPO warned that neglecting prison conditions poses both a humanitarian and security risk, urging authorities to prioritize prison reform and improve access to healthcare.
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