The tragic murder of national deputy Chérubin Okende in Congo has drawn unanimous condemnation from the country’s national episcopal conference (Cenco). In a press release published by its president Marcel Utembi, Cenco firmly denounces this despicable act and calls on the Congolese authorities to find and judge those responsible for this crime.
The Cenco, as a representative of the Catholic fathers, also expresses its concern over the arrests of members of the political group of Chérubin Okende and the verbal and physical violence perpetrated by certain political parties. She stresses the importance of national cohesion and insists on the need to ease tensions in order to preserve the country’s stability.
Congolese justice has already identified and arrested a first suspect in this case, but Cenco is asking the authorities to shed light on this assassination and find all the culprits so that justice can be done. The safety of people and their property is a primary responsibility of the Congolese authorities, and Cenco will continue to demand justice for Chérubin Okende.
This horrific murder also raises questions about the state of politics in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Political violence and acts of terrorism threaten national cohesion and jeopardize the stability of the country. It is essential that all political parties commit to preventing such acts and promoting peaceful dialogue to resolve political differences.
Ultimately, Cenco recalls the importance of respecting human life and maintaining peace and stability in the country. The assassination of Chérubin Okende must not go unpunished, and it is the responsibility of the Congolese authorities to find the culprits and bring them to justice