The repression of the opposition march, scheduled for Kinshasa on Saturday 20 May, was marked by violent police attacks. In the aftermath of these events, the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr. Denis Mukwege, strongly denounced this violence. For the doctor, this situation risks undermining the freedom of Congolese citizens, who are constantly deprived of their fundamental freedoms.
“Shocked by police violence, including on defenseless children, and the climate of repression at the opposition march on May 20 in Kinshasa. A state that denies its citizens their fundamental freedoms on the eve of general elections risks a dictatorial drift,” he said.
Dr. Denis Mukwege also called on the authorities to punish the perpetrators of these unjust acts against citizens and to guarantee the freedom of peaceful assembly for the Congolese.
Faced with the ban on marching, opposition leaders have announced new demonstrations for next week. The Congolese are indeed increasingly worried about the political climate of the country, which seems increasingly fragile.
The violent crackdown on the opposition has also sparked international outrage, which is now calling on the authorities to take action to ensure the safety of citizens and put an end to these unjustified acts of violence. The mobilization of the international community is more than ever necessary to support the Congolese population in this difficult period.