Restrictions on the Democratic Space in Kasai-Central Province: A Dark Picture Painted by LUCHA
In a context where we hope for democratic progress, it is essential to highlight the situations that hinder fundamental freedoms. This is precisely what the citizens’ movement LUCHA has done by denouncing the restrictions of the democratic space in the province of Kasaï-Central.
In a recent statement, LUCHA painted a bleak picture of the political situation in the region since the arrival of John Kabeya Shikeyi as governor. According to the movement, acts of political intolerance, vandalism, physical attacks, torture, intimidation, arbitrary arrests have resurfaced, perpetrated by a group of activists from a well-identified political party, namely the UDPS and its allies.
This deterioration of democracy and the establishment of totalitarian power are strongly condemned by LUCHA, which recalled the importance of respecting democratic standards and called on the governor to strictly ensure this.
Additionally, LUCHA also made a request to the national interior minister, requesting the transfer of the commander of the Congolese national police in the city, Colonel John Mbela, due to his incapacity and alleged complicity.
Faced with this worrying situation, LUCHA has announced major actions if its recommendations are not taken into account.
It is important to underline that this denunciation of the restrictions of the democratic space in Kasaï-Central comes after a series of violent incidents which occurred on December 10, 2022, during which activists from LUCHA and the Civil Society of Congo were beaten by a group of unidentified people as they demonstrated peacefully to demand the start of work on the Kananga-Kalambambuji road.
It is essential to highlight such issues, because respect for democratic rights is a fundamental pillar of any society. LUCHA plays a crucial role here by denouncing obstacles to democracy and calling for reforms to preserve fundamental freedoms in the province of Kasaï-Central.
The struggle for change must be supported and encouraged, because a democratic space respectful of human rights is essential to the development and well-being of the Congolese population. It is now up to the competent authorities to take concrete measures to remedy this situation and guarantee genuine democracy in the Kasaï-Central region.