African diasporas in France: Dieudonné Mbeleg, an “African” at the head of Nantes prison [2/5]

This 56-year-old Franco-Cameroonian firmly leads this penitentiary center in western France.

His name is Dieudonné Mbeleg. This father of four was born at Cameroon. At 56, he piloted the Nantes prison center with humanity and firmness (Loire-Atlantique): four establishments spread over 11 hectares, 1,800 prisoners and 600 penitentiary staff. A city in the city.

The remand center, like many prisons in Franceis overcrowded. “” They are four in cells, the mattresses on the ground. For me, it’s a real headache, because with 508 places for almost 1 000 inmates, the occupancy rate exceeds 200%, and it becomes untenable “Explains the director.

In the heart of the remand center

With a decided step, he crosses the central courtyard. “” They haven’t spotted us yethe launches, raising his eyes towards buildings, Otherwise they would have started to shout. In the distance in buildings, prisoners’ cells. Behind bars, their silhouettes are taking shape. “” It must be accepted because when we locked people in a place like this, we know that they will react “, Continues Dieudonné Mbeleg.

« In the morning, when you come to work, you don’t know what awaits you too much, you must be reachable 24 hours a day and be able to decide in an emergency. You can be advised, supported, supported … But it’s up to you to reassure your employees and trust them “Said the director.

Coming from a modest family

« My journey is like this diaspora African: once arrived in France, she simply aspires to succeed He explains with a broad smile. Dieudonné Mbeleg will start his university career in Cameroon. His scientific studies then bring him to France, where his life will experience a new start.

After the competition at the National School of Prison Administration, he will gradually climb all the levels: “I was able to access very high responsibilities without ever telling me : ” Could I get there ? ”. No, I never asked myself this type of question. I had officials who trusted me. And me, I knew how to seize these opportunities thanks to hard work, also thanks to the ability of this administration to be able to give me a chance. »

He started his career at the Borgo penitentiary center in Corsica, then in Avignon-Le Pontet, in the Vaucluse, where he will lead a very high security prison establishment. “” I was not predestined to be able to direct such establishments “Says Dieudonné Mbeleg. And yet, for a year, this has been the case, with the Penitentiary Center of Nantes.

Extremely complex since broken, this place requires in terms of piloting “A real strategy to accomplish this extremely noble mission “, As he likes to say. And to add: ” Today I feel legitimate. As I always say, I think I am in my place, in my right place. Always smiling, Dieudonné Mbeleg assumes with humility and pride the path he has traveled.

Read tooAfrican diasporas in France: Mahi Traoré, Madame La Principale [1/5]

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