Title: Assassination of Chérubin Okende: a political crime that shakes the Democratic Republic of Congo
Introduction :
On Thursday morning, a tragic event shocked both national and international opinion in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Chérubin Okende, spokesperson for the opponent Katumbi and candidate for the next presidential election, was found dead, riddled with bullets, on the “Heavy weight” road in Kinshasa. Although the precise circumstances of this assassination remain to be determined, it is undeniable that the man was murdered by bullets.
Background and similarity to the Chebeya case:
Chérubin Okende died shortly after being summoned to the High Court to be questioned about his assets following his time at the Ministry of Transport. This summons echoed the case of Chebeya, a human rights activist murdered in 2010, whose murder was also linked to political pressure. These events recall the reign of Kabila and raise questions about the current situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
An exacerbated political crisis:
This assassination comes in a tense political context, where Félix Tshisekedi, president in office, is accused by his opponents of dictatorial tendencies and of wanting to impose a single thought. Critics say the country has yet to fully heal from the Kabila years and that democracy remains fragile.
Questions about the security of political figures:
The assassination of Chérubin Okende also raises important questions about the security of political figures in the Democratic Republic of Congo. If a high-level politician can be killed so violently, what about the safety of ordinary citizens? It is essential that measures are taken to guarantee the protection of all, regardless of their political status.
Conclusion :
The assassination of Chérubin Okende is a tragic event that has shaken public opinion in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It highlights political tensions and the fragility of democracy in the country. It is urgent that thorough investigations be carried out to identify those responsible for this crime and that measures be taken to ensure the safety of all Congolese citizens