Kigali: At least two prisoners have died from hunger as result of insufficient food rations given to inmates in Cyagungu prison, according to rioting prisoners.

Reports from the western province prison say since last week, there has been restlessness at the large complex housing thousands of inmates. Since Thursday, the prisoners have been drumming, chanting and pleading with people on the outside to “rescue” them.

However, the national and local prison officials have played down claims of starvation and major riots. Under pressure, Cyangugu prison officials took about two reporters to a store full of food supplies to show that there was not any problem of food shortage.   

The officials instead argue the prisoners are only being rowdy and taking advantage of the laxity that has been offered to them. However, the prisoners who talked to the undercover RNA reporter say since August 22, there has been a severe shortfall of food which has resulted in much smaller portions served – leaving two dead.  

On Saturday, the prisoners were chanting to on-lookers asking to be saved from starvation. The inmates also denounce their leaders who work with the authorities accusing them of keeping quiet about their fate.

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