Article – Salomon Kalonda: an emblematic case of violation of fundamental rights in the DRC
Salomon Kalonda, lawyer and close collaborator of Moïse Katumbi, was arrested on May 30 at N’djili airport in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The authorities accuse him of several charges, including incitement to military disobedience, the illegal possession of weapons and munitions of war, as well as attacks against the internal security of the State.
However, Salomon Kalonda’s lawyers contest these charges and denounce the violations of fundamental rights during his detention. They raise in particular the non-respect of the legal procedure, the absence of access to a lawyer and the lack of transparency as to the reasons for his arrest.
Faced with this worrying situation, Salomon Kalonda’s defense team decided to take legal action. A complaint has been filed with the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the hope that this independent institution will shed light on this case. In addition, an individual petition has also been prepared before the International Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, to request urgent measures to guarantee the safety and rights of Salomon Kalonda.
This case highlights growing fears for the safety of political opponents in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In recent months, numerous cases of intimidation, kidnappings and even assassinations have been reported, raising serious concerns about the state of human rights in the country.
Beyond the individual case of Salomon Kalonda, this case also raises broader questions about the independence of the judiciary and respect for fundamental rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is essential that the Congolese authorities shed light on this case and ensure that the rights of all individuals are respected, regardless of their political affiliations.
In conclusion, the case of Salomon Kalonda highlights the challenges faced by political opponents in the Democratic Republic of Congo and highlights the importance of ensuring respect for fundamental rights to ensure a healthy and democratic political environment. It is essential that the international community continues to follow this case closely and push for justice.