Recent news in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been marked by a tragic event. This Thursday, July 13, the deputy and opponent Cherubin Okende was found dead in Kinshasa. His body was discovered in his car, on Heavyweight Avenue. This tragedy follows his abduction the day before, during a cowardly act committed by armed men.
Cherubin Okende was a senior politician and prominent member of Moise Katumbi’s party, Together for the Republic. His death arouses deep consternation, especially since he was also the spokesperson for his party. Moise Katumbi, who has declared himself a presidential candidate next December, expresses his deep sadness at this act of violence and terror which cost the life of his precious collaborator.
This tragedy is part of a tense context a few months before the elections. Many opponents are already in detention, such as Salomon Kalonda, special adviser to Moise Katumbi, deputy Mike Mukebayi, or even Franck Diongo, former deputy and close to Katumbi. This wave of arrests has created a climate of terror and uncertainty, jeopardizing the smooth running of the elections and the country’s democracy.
It is essential that the light be shed on this murder and that those responsible be brought to justice. The international community and the Congolese authorities must take firm measures to ensure the security of political actors and to guarantee free and fair elections.
In these difficult times, it is important to remember Cherubin Okende as a strong advocate for democratic ideals and justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His commitment and dedication will remain an inspiration to all who fight for a better and fairer future.
The disappearance of Cherubin Okende is a real loss for the Congolese political scene. Let’s hope that his sacrifice will help strengthen the resolve of the democratic forces and advance the process of democratization in the DRC