Assassination attempt on a human rights defender in the DRC: the fight for justice does not bend
On the night of July 10, Stanislas M. Samuel, a human rights defender in the Democratic Republic of Congo, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt. Gunmen in uniform burst into his home, firing several shots and attempting to force his door open. Fortunately, his wife and 7-year-old daughter survived, although the latter was injured in the attack.
According to the testimony of Stanislas’ wife, the assailants tortured her to obtain information on the whereabouts of her husband. Despite his efforts to deceive them, they threatened to return to kill him. This shocking attack highlights the danger facing human rights defenders in the DRC.
Human rights defenders in South Kivu province immediately called for an independent investigation to identify the perpetrators of this attack and bring them to justice. They also call on the international community to offer protection to Stanislas M. Samuel, who now feels insecure.
This assassination attempt comes shortly after an interview that Stanislas gave to Radio Notre Dame de Tanganyika d’Uvira, where he denounced human rights violations in the DRC, in particular the arbitrary arrests and illegal detentions of activists from LUCHA and other opponents. It seems his statements caught the attention of the country’s security services, who tracked him down and eventually attempted to kill him.
This attack underlines the importance of the fight for justice and the protection of human rights defenders in the DRC. Despite the high risks and intimidation, these brave people continue to fight to end impunity and ensure justice for all. The international community must not remain indifferent to this situation and must offer its support and protection to human rights defenders in the DRC.
The temptation to assassinate a human rights defender is a flagrant violation of the fundamental principles of democracy and justice. It is essential that the perpetrators of this attack are identified, arrested and brought to justice to ensure that such acts do not go unpunished. The fight for justice and human rights in the DRC must continue, despite the obstacles and the dangers, because it is the only way to build a better and fairer future for all Congolese