Title: The prolonged detention of Salomon Idi Kalonda, special adviser to Moïse Katumbi, raises questions
Introduction :
Since his arrest at N’djili airport more than a month ago, Salomon Idi Kalonda, special adviser to Moïse Katumbi, is still awaiting trial. Military intelligence accuses him of being in collusion with M23 officials and some Rwandan officers with the aim of destabilizing the country and installing a Katangese leader at its head. Together for the Republic, the party of Moïse Katumbi, recently reacted to the accusations during a press conference in Kinshasa. This article will examine the statements of Ensemble pour la République, highlight the elements presented and explore the questions raised by the prolonged detention of Salomon Idi Kalonda.
The background to the charges:
According to information provided by Ensemble pour la République, the contact of a Rwandan officer found in Salomon Idi Kalonda’s phone dates back to 2018. At the time, during a meeting with the President of the African Union, Paul Kagame , Salomon Idi Kalonda accompanied Moïse Katumbi. Thus, Together for the Republic emphasizes that this meeting was official and that Salomon Idi Kalonda had obtained the contact of the Rwandan officer as Kagame’s focal point. These details call into question the charge of collusion with Rwandan officers to destabilize the country.
The refutation of the accusations of collusion with the M23:
Regarding the accusations of collusion with M23 officials, Ensemble pour la République rejects them, emphasizing the absence of concrete evidence. During the press conference, the secretary general of the political formation, Dieudonné Bolengetenge, affirmed that the accusations were unfounded and that no evidence was presented to support them. This rebuttal raises questions about the basis of the charges and highlights the importance of providing strong evidence when making serious allegations.
The prolonged detention of Salomon Idi Kalonda:
Although charges have been brought against Salomon Idi Kalonda, his prolonged detention raises issues of legal process and the presumption of innocence. Since his arrest, he has been detained in military intelligence premises, then transferred to Ndolo military prison in Kinshasa. Despite this, he has not yet been tried. This situation raises concerns about respect for human rights and fair justice, and highlights the need for a transparent and expeditious legal process.
Conclusion :
The prolonged detention of Salomon Idi Kalonda, special adviser to Moïse Katumbi, raises questions about respect for human rights and justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Statements by Ensemble pour la République questioned the accusations against Salomon Idi Kalonda, highlighting the lack of concrete evidence of collusion with M23 officials and Rwandan officers. Pending his judgment, it is essential to guarantee a fair and transparent legal process in order to preserve the fundamental principles of justice and the presumption of innocence. The resolution of this case will be a crucial test for the Congolese judicial system and for democracy in the country