Rwandan inmates describe pregnancy and separation from their children
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Imvaho Nshya
Musanze prison in Rwanda houses more than 4,000 inmates, including 918 women, nine pregnant women and 76 mothers accompanied by 78 children. Female inmates describe pregnancy in prison and separation from their children at the age of three in a report by Imvaho Nshya.
At Musanze prison in Rwanda, nine female inmates are pregnant and 76 others live with their children, according to a report by Rwandan newspaper Imvaho Nshya. The prison houses more than 4,000 inmates, including more than 918 women, and 78 children — 31 boys and 47 girls — including twins.
Children can stay with their mothers until the age of three, after which they are entrusted to their families. Female inmates interviewed by Imvaho Nshya describe being pregnant in prison, breastfeeding and the separation that comes at the end of this period. Nyiransengiyumva Jacqueline, an inmate from Gakenke District, says she discovered she was pregnant after her arrest and has since received medical care and food including porridge, milk, meat, fruit and vegetables.
Mukamutesi Valentine, from Burera District, arrived at the prison with her six-month-old son. She had been arrested for selling kanyanga, an illicitly made alcoholic drink, after local residents reported her. Her two other children remained at home with their father, Imvaho Nshya reports.
