Victorine Mana, a Corrections Officer from Cameroon serving with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), plays a central role in advancing prison security and institutional reform.
As Security Teams Coordinator at Ngaragba Central Prison—the largest men’s prison in the country—she oversees all MINUSCA corrections experts assigned to the facility, promoting effective prison management and security operations.
Ms. Mana was the first female government-provided personnel (GPP) in MINUSCA to serve as a coordinator of an operational prison security GPP team, breaking new ground in a field traditionally dominated by men and setting a precedent for the women that have since then served in that role.
Her expertise led to her assignment at Camp de Roux, a facility housing high-risk detainees, including members of armed groups. She demonstrated exceptional command in managing complex security dynamics.
Later, Ms. Mana was promoted to Coordinator of the MINUSCA Security Team at Ngaragba Prison. There, she leads teams that work alongside national prison staff, responding to critical incidents—including escapes, riots, and mutinies—ensuring swift, coordinated action to maintain order and protect detainees and personnel.
At Camp de Roux, she introduced recreational activities to improve detention conditions, promote mental well-being, and enhance security.
She worked closely with prison administrators to ensure detainees have access to safe spaces for worship—an essential component of rehabilitation as well as to establish clear systems to monitor and care for sick detainees.
Victorine Mana places gender and human dignity at the heart of prison reform. Her work strengthens national institutions, fosters social cohesion, and contributes to lasting peace and security, inspiring a new generation of corrections professionals in a country striving to rebuild after years of internal conflict.
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