Cameroon’s 800-capacity prison where 4,000 inmates are packed like sardines (video)

Located in Douala, New Bell Central Prison is the primary correctional facility in Cameroon’s Littoral Province. Originally constructed in 1930 with a maximum capacity of 800 inmates, the prison now holds over 4,000 individuals five times its intended population resulting in extreme overcrowding and overstretched resources.

The prison was initially relocated from Douala’s Joss Plateau to New Bell between 1896 and 1902 during German colonial rule. Built in an area designated for the indigenous population, the prison reflected a deliberate strategy of segregation. At the time, German colonial authorities believed incarceration was not viewed as a punishment by local communities, and therefore, prisoners were subjected to forced labour to ensure imprisonment was felt as punitive.

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After Germany lost control of Cameroon in 1916, the French colonial administration inherited the prison system and maintained its repressive character.

Current conditions: Oovercrowding, control, and abuse

By July 2008, official reports indicated that New Bell held 4,963 detainees despite being built for just 800. With only about 250 guards on duty, prison authorities have relied on a controversial method of control: anti-gang activists inmates who are empowered to enforce discipline, distribute food, and collect money on behalf of prison guards.

These inmates, paid in part through a cut of the extortion money gathered from other prisoners, are known to use harsh and sometimes torturous methods to maintain order. This abusive system sparked a major revolt on 3 January 2005, after which the prison director was dismissed and the anti-gang units were officially disbanded though reports suggest some elements of the system may persist.

Due to the severe overcrowding, plans were made to construct a new prison at PK19 in Douala.

Structure and segregation

New Bell is a mixed prison, but men, women, and juveniles are held in separate quarters. However, the overcrowding and lack of resources affect all categories of detainees.

Notable inmates over the years

Rudolf Douala Manga Bell Traditional ruler, resistance leader Executed in 1914

Ndosso Din Secretary to Manga Bell Executed in 1914

Paul Eric Kingue – Politician 2008–2015

Bertrand Teyou Writer – 2011

Mimi Mefo – Journalist November 2018

Shakiro LGBTQ+ rights activist 2021

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Tenor – Rapper July–September 2021

Hervé Bopda – Unknown Not specified

New Bell Central Prison stands as a stark reminder of colonial legacies and the modern-day consequences of neglect, underfunding, and systemic abuse in African penitentiary systems. Urgent reforms and infrastructure improvements are needed to address the growing crisis.