Title: Jean-Marc Kabund-A-Kabund arbitrarily detained in prison, tension is rising in the DRC
For several months now, Jean-Marc Kabund-A-Kabund has been imprisoned in prison without trial in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This arbitrary detention has aroused great tension within the opposition, which denounces political relentlessness against their leader. Leaders of the Alliance for Change (A-Ch), an opposition party to which Kabund belongs, are mobilizing to demand the release of their leader.
Remember that Kabund was First Vice-President of the National Assembly and a major player in the Republican struggle. Since Felix Tshisekedi came to power, he has strongly criticized his policy. It was further to his refusal to endorse questionable governance that he was imprisoned. The opposition itself is facing internal division as voices are raised to claim the paternity of power from Felix Tshisekedi.
This situation could have disastrous consequences on the organization of the next elections, scheduled for next December. The opposition, the state party and civil society must work together so as not to let the issues of the arbitrary detention of Jean-Marc Kabund-A-Kabund drag the country into a major political crisis.
At the same time, the Democratic Republic of Congo faces other major challenges such as community violence or the humanitarian crisis that require urgent and coordinated action. Human rights NGOs must play their part in making Jean-Marc Kabund-A-Kabund’s voice heard and ensuring that his rights are respected.
In short, the DRC is going through a complicated period where diplomacy, listening and dialogue must be privileged to avoid an escalation of tension.