News: Restrictions on democratic space in Kasai-Central province
In a recent statement, the citizens’ movement Fight for Change (LUCHA) sounded the alarm about the restrictions of the democratic space in the province of Kasaï-Central. Since the arrival of John Kabeya Shikeyi as governor, LUCHA has witnessed a series of acts of political intolerance, vandalism, physical attacks, torture, intimidation and arbitrary arrests.
According to LUCHA, these acts are perpetrated by a group of activists from the UDPS political party and its allies. These acts jeopardize democratic progress and are a threat to the rule of law in the province.
LUCHA strongly condemns this democratic regression and calls on John Kabeya to strictly respect democratic standards. It also calls on the Minister of Interior to transfer the Commander of the PNC, Colonel John Mbela, for his incapacity and his complicity in these reprehensible acts.
Faced with this worrying situation, LUCHA announces that it will take far-reaching actions if its recommendations are not taken into account.
It is important to highlight that in December 2022, activists from LUCHA and the Civil Society of Congo were violently attacked by an unidentified group while peacefully demonstrating to demand the start of work on the Kananga-Kalambambuji road. .
This situation highlights the persistent challenges facing democracy in the DRC. The need to preserve democratic space and ensure the protection of citizens’ rights is paramount to ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future.
LUCHA, as a committed citizen movement, will continue to defend the principles of democracy and the rule of law, and calls on all political and social actors to do the same.
In conclusion, it is essential that the provincial authorities take immediate measures to guarantee the safety and freedom of expression of all citizens of Kasaï-Central, and to put an end to these acts of intimidation and repression