Importance of tracking opponents in the pre-election period in the DRC
Professor Gabriel Banza Malale, specialist in constitutional law and geopolitical issues, warns against the tracking of opponents in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the pre-election period. According to him, this practice could inflame tensions and compromise the smooth running of upcoming elections.
In an interview with POLITICO.CD, Professor Malale points out that the searches, arrests and intimidation of opposition members constitute a veritable witch hunt targeting those who do not share the same philosophy as the regime in place. These actions, he said, do not bode well for the pre-election climate.
He also mentions that the opposition, in particular the FCC, will not participate in the next elections due to unmet preconditions, such as the recomposition of the CENI and the constitutional court.
Professor Banza Malale also draws the attention of President Félix Tshisekedi to his entourage, stressing that there are certain collaborators who work not in the interest of the Head of State, but rather to harm his image. He therefore urges the President to remain vigilant and to take disciplinary action against those who commit serious misconduct.
He refers to incidents such as the arrest of Salomon Kalonda, Moise Katumbi’s right-hand man, and the incursion into the M’zee Laurent Désiré Kabila Foundation. According to him, it is important that President Tshisekedi distances himself from these slippages and imposes his authority to guarantee a serene work of his collaborators.
Moreover, Professor Banza Malale does not consider President Tshisekedi’s recent declaration in Mbuji-Mayi, in which he affirms that he will attack without hesitation any Congolese who would endanger the security and stability of the country, as something serious thing. He recalls that the President is a human being and that he can express his feelings in the same way as anyone else. He believes that these remarks should not be taken at face value and that they should not fan the fire between the Catholic Church and the State.