The alarming situation of MP Édouard Mwangachuchu, detained at the Ndolo military prison in Kinshasa, has stirred public opinion. His lawyer, Maître Thomas Gamakolo, made a poignant appeal to humanitarian and human rights organizations to obtain appropriate medical care for his client.
Édouard Mwangachuchu, who suffers from a heart condition, has not received medical treatment since his incarceration last March. His state of health requires regular monitoring, especially since he has already undergone open heart surgery. Unfortunately, the prison authorities did not take the necessary measures to ensure his medical care.
Faced with this critical situation, Maître Thomas Gamakolo appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross, the National Human Rights Commission as well as the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office. He hopes that these institutions will intervene with the judicial and prison authorities to guarantee Édouard Mwangachuchu access to the care he desperately needs.
It is important to emphasize that MP Mwangachuchu has been detained for several months, accused of participation in an insurrectional movement, treason and illegal possession of weapons of war. However, detainees should be treated humanely, providing them with adequate health care, regardless of their alleged crimes.
This case highlights ongoing problems with the prison system in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Inhumane detention conditions and lack of adequate medical care in the country’s prisons are gross violations of human rights. It is essential that the international community intervene to put an end to this worrying situation.
In conclusion, the deterioration of the state of health of MP Édouard Mwangachuchu is an alarming situation which requires an urgent response from humanitarian institutions and human rights defenders. It is essential to guarantee all prisoners access to appropriate medical care, regardless of their legal situation. Human dignity must be preserved in all circumstances, even behind bars.