2023-05-26: Matata Ponyo banned from holding a conference in Kenge
This Monday, May 26, the opponent Matata Ponyo was refused access to the room where he was to discuss with the students at Kenge. These prohibition measures are multiplying in a context where the European Union and other partners of the DRC denounce the shrinking of public space and the repression of demonstrations by the opposition and civil society.
The students accused Governor Peti Peti of having deployed the police in front of the Cinquantenaire hall to prevent access to the opponent. Matata Ponyo’s entourage confirms that the governor of Kwango province has decided to close the room prepared to host the conference.
In recent days, the governor of the province of Kongo-central had also ordered to deny access to the territory to Moïse Katumbi, another opponent, who was to carry out a long-planned tour. The opponent’s procession had been forced to turn back by police and armored vehicles deployed to block the road.
The peaceful march organized on Saturday May 20 by the opposition was also violently repressed by the Congolese police. Similarly, an attempted sit-in in front of the CENI headquarters scheduled for Thursday, May 25 was prevented.
These repeated bans and the repression of demonstrations arouse the concern of the DRC’s partners. Attempts to stifle the voice of the opposition and civil society do not allow peaceful democracy and stability in the country