Murder of deputy Chérubin Okende: a crime that shakes the Congolese political class
In a tense political climate in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the murder of deputy Chérubin Okende shocked the nation and provoked a strong reaction from the Congolese political class. The assassination, described as “cowardly and heinous”, was perpetrated in a pre-election context, heightening fears about the future of the country.
The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), the voice of the Catholic Church in the DRC, strongly condemned the murder, calling it an “ignominious and heinous crime”. For the Catholic bishops, this act risks exacerbating the political tensions already present in the run-up to the general elections.
CENCO expressed its concern about the current political situation, pointing out that the murder of Chérubin Okende comes after a series of arrests of members of his political party and verbal and physical violence perpetrated by fanatics of certain political parties. They call on the Congolese authorities to shed full light on this crime and to bring the assassin to justice.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) also expressed its condolences to the family of the late deputy and assured of its prayers. This murder rekindles fears about the safety of political figures and the integrity of the electoral process in the DRC.
The Congolese political class reacted with indignation and called for a mobilization against the growing insecurity in the country. The opposition parties demand firm measures to guarantee the safety of politicians and citizens in general.
This tragic murder also raises broader questions about the state of democracy in the DRC. Political tensions and acts of violence jeopardize the stability of the country and call into question the credibility of the electoral process.
It is crucial that the Congolese authorities take serious steps to investigate this murder and bring those responsible to justice. Solving this crime is a test for the rule of law and justice in the DRC.
In a country where elections are often marked by political tensions and violence, it is imperative to guarantee the security and integrity of the democratic process