National deputy Daniel Safu Butshiemuni is at the center of a controversy that is shaking the Democratic Republic of Congo. Invited by the Special and Temporary Commission responsible for hearing him for his recidivist behavior, the elected official is accused of having made remarks inciting tribal hatred. The commission is made up of 20 members appointed by the President of the National Assembly, Christophe Mboso. It is assisted by cabinets and the administration of the Lower House of Parliament.
National deputy David Mukeba, who had already challenged his colleague in plenary, declared: “these public insults were considered by the whole Republic as addressed to our mothers, our sisters and our daughters”. According to him, the elected official would have dishonored the National Assembly by making insulting remarks.
The behavior of Daniel Safu Butshiemuni has been deemed a repeat offender and the members of the commission are obliged to hear him. The vice-president, Mahindo Scolastique, recalled in an official press release that the presence of the elected official was “imperative”. National MP David Mukeba has requested the establishment of an ad hoc commission to deal with this case and possibly sanction it.
This new controversy illustrates the political and tribal tensions currently agitating the Democratic Republic of Congo. The atmosphere is tense as the elections approach. Beyond this case, the issue of incitement to tribal hatred remains a concern in the country, where the slightest spark can trigger violence.