Junior Mouckagni Moussavou, the young Gabonese graduate waiting for his budget position who was copiously tortured by 4 soldiers who sequestered him for 1 hour in an army camp for having “ignored” an arrest, was finally treated at the Hospital and University Center of Owendo (CHUO) thanks to the support of the NGO SOS Prisonniers Gabon, the editorial staff of Gabonactu.com learned
When he returned to the same place, the same soldier stopped him again and asked him if he was a soldier. The young man replies that he is a civilian waiting for his budget position. The soldier asserts his stripes. He calls for reinforcements. The young man was caught for having previously refused to stop, according to the account of those close to him.
Junior Mouckagni Moussavou was taken to the military camp where he suffered punishment, correction if not torture worthy of a concentration camp. The torture would have lasted 1 hour.
Images of the bloodied young man went viral on social media. The army being singled out has not communicated about what looks like a blunder or an abuse of authority.
Without means, the young man stayed at home only swallowing aspirin to calm his pain.
Last Friday, he was taken to the Libreville University Hospital by members of the NGO SOS Prisonniers. The case being worrying, Junior Mouckagni Moussavou was referred to the CHUO where he was taken care of. His care was paid for by the NGO.
Shocked by the abuse suffered by his compatriot, the NGO SOS Prisonniers Gabon recalls in a press release several provisions of the 2011 constitution (in force) and the transition charter which provide: “ no one may be humiliated, mistreated or tortured, even when under arrest or imprisonment ”, according to article 1is paragraph 1 of the 1991 Constitution and “ no one may be subjected to torture, punishment or cruel, degrading or inhuman treatment », according to article 11 of the Transition charter.
Junior Mouckagni Moussavou who was able to issue a medical certificate is waiting for justice to be done to him so that he can feel the rise towards happiness so dreamed of by the Gabonese people.
Camille Boussoughou
2024-11-03 18:20:00
#Tortured #soldiers #Junior #Mouckagni #Moussavou #doctor
**Interview with Junior Mouckagni Moussavou: Survivor of Military Brutality in Gabon**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Junior. Your story has caught international attention, highlighting significant human rights concerns in Gabon. Can you briefly recount what happened on that night in October?
**Junior Mouckagni Moussavou:** Thank you for having me. On the night of October 26, I went out to buy a cigarette after watching the football match between Real Madrid and Barcelona. As I was passing by the Baraka military camp, a soldier stopped me. I was confused and didn’t realize I was being arrested at first.
**Editor:** What happened next?
**Junior:** When I returned, the same soldier confronted me again. He asked if I was a soldier, and I explained that I’m just a civilian awaiting my budget position. But he insisted on asserting his authority and called for reinforcements. I was taken to the military camp.
**Editor:** It’s reported that you were tortured during your time there. Can you tell us about that experience?
**Junior:** I endured what felt like an hour of severe mistreatment—beyond mere punishment. It was more like torture. I was in shock and disbelief; my human dignity was stripped away. The physical and emotional scars from that experience will take a long time to heal.
**Editor:** After this traumatic event, how did you receive help?
**Junior:** Thankfully, I was treated at the Hospital and University Center of Owendo (CHUO), thanks to the immense support from the NGO SOS Prisonniers Gabon. They ensured that I got the necessary medical attention.
**Editor:** The images of your injuries circulated widely on social media. How has that impact been for you?
**Junior:** Seeing those images go viral was overwhelming. While it brought attention to the harsh realities many face in Gabon, it also exposed me to further scrutiny and fear. I hope that sharing my story will raise awareness about human rights violations and prevent others from suffering as I did.
**Editor:** what message do you want to convey to the international community regarding human rights in Gabon?
**Junior:** My message is simple: we must stand together against injustice. My experience is not just mine; it reflects a systemic issue that affects many individuals in Gabon. We need accountability and to ensure that such brutalities never happen again.
**Editor:** Thank you, Junior, for sharing your poignant story. We hope for your continued recovery and the improvement of human rights in Gabon.
