Title: Assassination of Chérubin Okende: a climate of political terror in the DRC
Introduction :
The violent assassination of deputy Chérubin Okende in Kinshasa has caused a real shock in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This heinous act highlights a climate of political terror that reigns in the country, where opposition actors are targeted. This article examines the tragic events surrounding the death of Chérubin Okende and the consequences this could have on the political situation in the DRC.
A heinous act:
Chérubin Okende, a member of the Ensemble pour la République party led by Moïse Katumbi, was found dead in his abandoned car on Avenue Poids Lourds in Kinshasa. His body showed signs of violence, suggesting a premeditated and violent act. This tragedy recalls the conditions of the disappearance of Floribert Chebeya, a human rights activist, 13 years ago. These two events testify to a political violence that plagues the country and endangers the defenders of the opposition.
A climate of political terror:
The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) reacted strongly to this assassination, expressing its concern about the escalation of political violence in the DRC. The arrests of members of the opposition, the verbal and physical violence perpetrated by the supporters of certain political parties, with impunity by the leaders and the justice system, contribute to a climate of terror which threatens national cohesion. CENCO stresses that this heinous act risks exacerbating political tensions in the run-up to the general elections, jeopardizing the stability of the country.
Request for justice:
CENCO calls on the Congolese authorities to shed full light on this assassination and to bring those responsible for this heinous crime to justice. It is essential that the culprits are identified and punished in order to ensure justice for Chérubin Okende and to deter acts of political violence in the future. This demand for justice is part of a desire to preserve stability and democracy in the DRC.
Conclusion :
The assassination of Chérubin Okende is a sad reminder of the political violence raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Acts of terror targeting members of the opposition jeopardize the country’s stability and national cohesion. It is imperative that the Congolese authorities take action to end this spiral of violence and ensure a safe environment for all political actors