Arrested on May 30 at N’djili airport in Kinshasa, Salomon Kalonda, close to Moïse Katumbi, faces charges of inciting soldiers to commit acts contrary to duty and discipline, illegal detention of weapon and ammunition of war, as well as undermining the internal security of the State. However, his defense challenges not only the charges against him, but also the procedure used to detain him.
After more than 45 days in detention, Salomon Kalonda’s defense team based in Brussels, Belgium, held a press conference to announce the actions taken to secure his release. His lawyers have filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) and are preparing an individual petition before the International Human Rights Commission in Geneva. They hope that these steps will demonstrate the independence of the CNDH and obtain urgent measures from the international commission.
The lawyers raise several concerns regarding the respect of fundamental rights of Salomon Kalonda. He was reportedly held incommunicado for more than 10 days without access to his relatives or his lawyers. His hearing took place without the presence of his lawyers and he was not informed of the charges against him. Moreover, he was brought before the military courts without benefiting from the procedural guarantees provided for by law, even though he is not a soldier.
This case raises concerns about the safety of political opponents. Salomon Kalonda’s lawyers point out that several opposition figures have been victims of intimidation, kidnapping or travel bans in different provinces of the country. This situation is seen as a tipping point, highlighting the growing risks facing political opponents in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Moïse Katumbi’s party, Together for the Republic, calls the accusations against Salomon Kalonda “rough fabrication” and says it is a political rather than a legal matter. Salomon Kalonda’s defense hopes that the actions taken will shed light on this affair and obtain his release.
This case highlights the challenges faced by political opponents in the Democratic Republic of Congo and underlines the importance of preserving fundamental rights and the independence of the judiciary in the country. The mobilization of civil society and international organizations is essential to put pressure on the Congolese authorities and ensure the protection of human rights and the rule of law