The article published on the blog concerns the demonstration of the citizens’ movement LUCHA which took place in Tshikapa, in the province of Kasaï, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. LUCHA activists protested against REGIDESO’s rising water bill and were repressed by law enforcement.
Joël Minga, a member of LUCHA, said in an interview that their objective was to combat the scarcity and high cost of water in the communes of Mbumba and Mabondo. Unfortunately, the peaceful demonstration was violently repressed and ten activists were arrested and beaten up. LUCHA calls for their immediate release and condemns the violation of public freedoms orchestrated by the mayor of the city.
The population of Tshikapa has been complaining for some time about the significant increase in REGIDESO’s water bill, which is putting a strain on household budgets. This situation prompted LUCHA activists to take to the streets to demand a drop in the cost of water and better management of REGIDESO.
This event raises questions about civil liberties in the DRC and highlights the difficulties the population is facing. It is essential to guarantee access to drinking water at affordable prices for all, and to promote transparent and efficient governance of public services such as REGIDESO.
This event also recalls the importance of citizens’ movements and civil society in the fight for rights and the improvement of living conditions. LUCHA, through its actions, shows that the voice of the people cannot be silenced and continues to fight for a more just and equitable society.
It is essential to support these movements and give them a voice, in order to ensure that the concerns of citizens are heard and taken into account. The fight for quality public services accessible to all is a crucial issue for the development and well-being of the population.
In a context where many challenges persist in the DRC, it is important that civil society, activists and citizens continue to mobilize and make their voices heard, in order to create positive and lasting change in the country.
It is hoped that this demonstration and the demands of LUCHA will lead to concrete actions by the competent authorities to address the concerns of the population and improve the living conditions of all Congolese.