The director general of Judicial Services Alain Gbaziale assures that he immediately notified the Justice minister the same day, who in turn alerted his Health counterpart.

General Ngaïfé was then extracted from prison and taken to an appropriate care facility where he received treatment before being returned to Roux camp, explains Alain Gbaziale.

"He underwent medical examinations and received appropriate care. Then he was reintegrated. Tuesday, the respiratory distress was almost gone and so he felt better. And this Wednesday morning, he felt even better up to the time we are speaking."

The lawyer of the former chief of staff general of the Central African army, who was never informed of all these measures, is nonetheless not reassured, she says. She believes that a man over 50 years old, suffering from Covid-19 and in respiratory distress has no place in prison.

"To have respiratory assistance, Mr. Ngaïfé would need to be admitted to a center that has this respiratory assistance," emphasizes Me Arlette Sombo-Dibelé. "It is not at Roux camp or even at the infirmary that he can expect this type of care. I can only be concerned."

General Ngaïfé is accused notably of endangering the internal security of the State and of criminal conspiracy. His lawyer believes he is being held in detention solely for political reasons.