Three-week food shortage in Guinea-Bissau detention centers due to payment disputes

Approximately 200 detainees housed across six detention facilities in Guinea-Bissau experienced a three-week gap in food supply from the state-appointed contractor.

The prison administration revealed this lapse was due to the service provider halting the food supply, citing non-payment of their monthly dues amounting to roughly 28,000 dollars.

This amount, provided by the Finance Ministry, covers the food supply for two prisons and four detention centers, including ones located in Mansoa and Bafatá.

Prison director Cherno Sano Jaló stated that the situation was resolved on the 17th following intervention from a high-ranking official.

During the disruption, local detainees in Bissau’s institutions received food from their families.

Meanwhile, foreign inmates were aided by civil society organizations and churches. In Mansoa and Bafatá’s detention centers, former inmates and NGOs stepped in with food supplies.

Emphasizing the importance of human dignity, Jaló appealed for increased care and consideration for detainees.

He noted the Justice and Human Rights Minister, Albino Gomes, has taken personal interest in addressing this issue since his recent appointment. Presently, Guinea-Bissau’s six detention facilities house around 200 individuals.

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