Assassination of Chérubin Okende, Congolese opponent: democracy in danger in the DRC
On Thursday morning, a tragic event shook national and international opinion: Chérubin Okende, spokesperson for the opponent Katumbi and candidate for the next presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was found dead on the road “Heavyweight ” in Kinshasa. His body was riddled with bullets and bloodied, testifying to a brutal assassination.
This murder comes in a context of deep political crisis in the DRC, where tensions between opponents and the regime of Felix Tshisekedi are increasingly acute. The president’s political adversaries call him a “dictator” and accuse his government of imposing single thought.
Chérubin Okende was summoned to the High Court to be questioned about his assets after his time at the Ministry of Transport. Prior to his assassination, he had called for a 24-hour postponement, illustrating the pressures faced by political opponents in the country.
The crime recalls the sad fate of human rights activist Floribert Chebeya and his driver, who were murdered in 2010. The two cases share disturbing similarities, with police summonses prior to the assassination and bodies found lifeless. in vehicles.
The violent death of Chérubin Okende fuels fears of an upsurge in political repression in the DRC, recalling the dark years of the previous regime. Charges of “state crime” still hang over the Chebeya case, highlighting the human rights abuses and impunity that have persisted in the country.
The murder of a political opponent is a stark reminder of the challenges facing democracy in the DRC. It raises concerns about freedom of expression and the safety of political participants, undermining hopes for a transparent and inclusive political system.
President Tshisekedi must now face these accusations of political repression and actively work to guarantee the safety and freedom of Congolese citizens, including members of the opposition. This will require concerted efforts to end impunity, strengthen the rule of law and promote a truly inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders.
In a crucial period for Congolese democracy, it is essential to ensure that the voice of the opposition can be heard without fear of reprisals and that citizens can fully exercise their political rights. The road to strong and sustainable democratic governance in the DRC is strewn with pitfalls, but perseverance is essential for the well-being and prosperity of the country.