Title: The assassination of Chérubin Okende inflames the Congolese political scene
Introduction :
This Thursday morning, the Congolese nation is waking up to the shock of the news of the assassination of Chérubin Okende, a political opponent of President Félix Tshisekedi. His body was found riddled with bullets on the “Heavy weight” road in Kinshasa. While the precise circumstances of his murder have yet to be determined, it is undeniable that this man was the victim of a murder by firearm. This tragic event echoes the case of Chebeya, a human rights activist murdered in 2010, reminding everyone of the weight of the dark political past of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Context of the assassination:
Chérubin Okende was a spokesman for opponent Moïse Katumbi and was also a candidate in the upcoming presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The day before his murder, he was due to appear in the High Court to be questioned about his assets after his time at the Department for Transport. According to his entourage, he had asked his bodyguard to file a request for a 24-hour postponement for this hearing. However, soon after his relatives reported him abducted, his phones were switched off and he was nowhere to be found. His bodyguard also said he saw him missing in the parking lot of the Constitutional Court.
Comparison with the Chebeya case:
The assassination of Chérubin Okende recalls the methods used during the Chebeya affair in 2010. Floribert Chebeya, a human rights activist who disturbed the regime of the time, had been summoned to the police station of the Congolese National Police before to be found dead in his own vehicle a few days later. More than ten years after this assassination, the Chebeya case continues to haunt people’s minds and is currently on trial, with several senior army officers under former President Kabila in the dock. Many people call this case a “state crime”, reflecting the dark period of Kabila’s rule.
Political consequences:
The assassination of Chérubin Okende tarnishes the image of President Félix Tshisekedi, who is already criticized by his opponents for his alleged authoritarianism and his regime accused of imposing a single thought. While the Congolese political situation is already fragile, this tragic event only adds to the tension and growing tensions between the various political actors in the country. It also raises questions about the government’s ability to provide security for political opponents and prevent such acts of violence.
Conclusion :
The assassination of Chérubin Okende is a tragic event that shakes the Congolese political scene. While investigations are underway to determine those responsible and the motivations for this act, it is essential that justice be served in order to ensure stability and confidence in the country’s political system. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing major challenges in terms of respect for human rights and the consolidation of democracy, and measures must be taken to guarantee the safety of political opponents and the protection of the fundamental rights of all citizens. Faced with this tragedy, it is imperative that the truth comes out and that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice