Congo - Kinshasa
Detained Congolese dissidents at risk

afrol.com, 10 August - In a letter released today, Human Rights Watch raised urgent concerns that detained dissidents in the Democratic Republic of Congo are at risk of torture. The letter was sent to professor Wamba dia Wamba, who is president of the rebel Congolese Rally for Democracy – Liberation Movement (RCD-ML). Those who are imprisoned are dissenters within Wamba's rebel movement.

The Commander Mukalayi and the deputy commissioner for mines and energy Michel Rudatenguha were respectively arrested on July 27 and on July 29 by the RCD-ML's security services. The two officials are reportedly being held since their arrest in the Military training Center of Rwampara, not far from Bunia. They are reportedly locked up in a narrow pit where they are being subjected to daily beatings and denied access to visitors. Several young soldiers of the RCD-ML accused of mutiny, also detained at Rwampara center, are reportedly being subjected to similar treatment.

Speaking with Human Rights Watch, rebel leader professor Wamba confirmed that the detainee Mr. Rudatenguha was subject to investigations relating to his supposed role in the recent mutiny of elements of the military wing of the RCD-ML,. Wamba dia Wamba gave assurances that Mr. Rudatenguha would be treated well. Human Rights Watch was also told that the RCD-ML called upon its allies of the Ugandan army, the Ugandan People's Defense Force (UPDF) to restore order in Bunia. Reliable sources inform that the Rwampara training center is under the command of the UPDF. 

"We are particularly concerned about the fate of these dissidents because in similar circumstances last year, a detainee died as a result of torture," said Suliman Ali Baldo, senior researcher for Human Rights Watch. "Professor Wamba and his Ugandan supporters can ensure that these political detainees are not mistreated in custody and must do so." 

The international monitoring group strongly appealed to the rebel movement - and its Ugandan backers - to ensure that the detained individuals are not subjected to torture or to ill treatment. Human Rights Watch urged Wamba and Uganda to grant full access to all places of detention to the International Committee of the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations.

Source: Human Rights Watch

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