The restrictions of the democratic space in the province of Kasaï-Central: LUCHA is sounding the alarm
In a press release published on July 7, 2023, the citizen movement Lutte pour leChange (LUCHA) denounces the serious attacks on the democratic space in the province of Kasaï-Central. Since Governor John Kabeya Shikeyi came to power, the situation has deteriorated, with an upsurge in acts of political intolerance, vandalism, physical attacks and other violence.
LUCHA implicates a group of activists from a well-identified political party, in this case the UDPS and its allies. This situation is extremely worrying, because it calls into question the democratic advances obtained after many years of effort. Faced with this alarming observation, LUCHA strongly condemns the decline of democracy and the establishment of totalitarian power in the province.
The citizens’ movement therefore calls on Governor John Kabeya to scrupulously respect democratic standards and put an end to these acts of intimidation and repression. Furthermore, LUCHA calls on the Minister of the Interior to take firm measures, in particular by transferring the commander of the national police in the city, Colonel John Mbela, for his inability to maintain order and his possible complicity.
LUCHA also warns that if these recommendations are not taken into account, major actions will be taken. This declaration underlines the commitment and the determination of the movement to defend the democratic values and to fight against any form of abuse of power.
It should be recalled that in December 2022, members of LUCHA and civil society were violently attacked during a peaceful demonstration to demand the start of work on the Kananga-Kalambambuji road. These repeated attacks highlight the fragility of the democratic space in the province of Kasaï-Central.
Faced with this alarming situation, it is essential that the international community and human rights organizations remain alert and support LUCHA in its fight to preserve democracy and the rule of law.
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– Article link: https://fatshimetry