Many people from Namibia must stay in prisons far away from home. Right this moment, sixty-nine Namibians live in prisons across southern Africa because they broke different laws. At the same time, Namibian prisons hold 465 people from other countries. Most of these people come from nearby African countries.
The government wants to make a new plan that would let people serve their prison time in their own countries. Namibia, along with other African countries, agreed to this idea back in 2019. But the plan needs more countries to say yes before it can work. Only one country, Mauritius, has fully agreed.
Ms Lucia Witbooi, who helps run Namibia's home affairs, discussed this in a big meeting. She believes people do better when they stay close to their families during prison time. Families can visit and help their loved ones prepare for life after prison, making it easier for people to become good members of their communities again.
Mr Raphael Hamunyela, who runs Namibian prisons, thinks this plan would help everyone. He said research shows people change their lives more easily when their families can visit them. The plan would also give Namibian prisons more space and save money.
Namibia already made special deals with Angola and Zambia to move prisoners between countries. However, these deals would not be needed if all nearby countries agreed to the bigger plan. The government hopes more countries will join this effort to help prisoners stay connected with their families.
The government wants to make a new plan that would let people serve their prison time in their own countries. Namibia, along with other African countries, agreed to this idea back in 2019. But the plan needs more countries to say yes before it can work. Only one country, Mauritius, has fully agreed.
Ms Lucia Witbooi, who helps run Namibia's home affairs, discussed this in a big meeting. She believes people do better when they stay close to their families during prison time. Families can visit and help their loved ones prepare for life after prison, making it easier for people to become good members of their communities again.
Mr Raphael Hamunyela, who runs Namibian prisons, thinks this plan would help everyone. He said research shows people change their lives more easily when their families can visit them. The plan would also give Namibian prisons more space and save money.
Namibia already made special deals with Angola and Zambia to move prisoners between countries. However, these deals would not be needed if all nearby countries agreed to the bigger plan. The government hopes more countries will join this effort to help prisoners stay connected with their families.
