Congo-Brazzaville: inauguration of a reintegration center for ex-offenders

President Denis Sassou-Nguesso inaugurated the Aubeville center, located about 300 kilometers south of Brazzaville. Set on a 13-hectare site at the foot of mountains, the institution is intended for young people apprehended for delinquent acts, especially related to drug use, theft, and violence.

Among the first residents is Noldy Omessa, 26 years old. Dressed in the center’s blue uniform, he claims to have been arrested for consuming cannabis. “If I was arrested, it’s because I’ve messed up somewhere,” he stated, acknowledging difficulties in his past journey.

A twelve-month program

The program includes three months of educational guidance, followed by nine months dedicated to addressing physical and psychological trauma as well as learning a trade. The training offered includes bakery, pastry, carpentry, agro-pastoral work, and welding.

“The goal of Aubeville is the integration and reintegration of young people,” explains Emery Patrick Akondzo Olandzobo, the director general of the National Agency for the Social Integration and Reintegration of Youth.

In the long run, the center aims to accommodate 400 young people from various departments across the country. Upon completing their training, residents should receive support to implement professional projects. The government plans to back these initiatives, though it hasn’t detailed specific amounts or funding methods at this stage.

According to information shared during the launch, these young individuals were apprehended over the past year by the presidential guard, which is tasked with combating gangs of young delinquents. Their individual legal situations and the specific conditions of their admission to the center have not been detailed.