The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is once again shaken by the shocking assassination of Chérubin Okende, former Minister of Transport and political opponent. The images of his body found dead in his car, riddled with bullets, recall tragic events of the past, such as the double murder of activists Chebeya and Bazana.
Chérubin Okende, spokesman for the opposition party Ensemble pour la République and a fervent defender of a fairer and more transparent political system, was kidnapped on his way to the Constitutional Court to file an appeal. The bodyguard accompanying him found neither his boss nor the vehicle when he returned, launching a series of searches that culminated in the tragic discovery of his lifeless body in his jeep.
The disturbing similarities with other unsolved killings in the DRC, such as that of Chebeya and Bazana, raise questions about the existence of a climate of violence where dissenting voices are suppressed without fear of reprisal. The political opposition feels heavily affected by this heinous act and denounces a possible “State crime à la Chebeya”.
This new tragedy highlights the challenges facing Congolese democracy. Dissenting voices are often faced with difficult choices: prison, death, exile, resistance or fight. The assassination of Chérubin Okende heightens concerns about the country’s stability and democratic regression.
The nation is in mourning and Okende’s family is demanding justice. The political opposition demands that those responsible for this heinous act be brought to justice. Political violence cannot go unpunished and Congolese society must confront these acts of violence in order to preserve democracy and the rule of law.
This assassination also serves as a reminder of the importance of regional integration and economic development in Africa. The Executive Council of the African Union has met to accelerate these processes and strengthen cooperation between the countries of the continent.
In conclusion, the Democratic Republic of Congo is once again facing a political tragedy with the assassination of Chérubin Okende. This heinous act provokes strong emotion and raises questions about political stability and the protection of dissenting voices