Title: Justin Bitakwira auditioned for controversial remarks on a TV show
Introduction :
The former Congolese Minister of Rural Development, Justin Bitakwira, was heard Thursday by the General Prosecutor’s Office at the Court of Cassation. Justice would accuse him of having made remarks deemed “stigmatizing” and of a tribal nature during a television program dated July 6 in Kinshasa. This case prompted a reaction from European Union Ambassador Jean-Marc Châtaigner, who called Bitakwira’s remarks obscene and hateful. Let’s take a closer look at this situation.
The controversial words of Justin Bitakwira:
During the television program “Bosolo na Politik”, Justin Bitakwira allegedly made stigmatizing remarks towards the Congolese Tutsi community. He would also have mentioned an alleged connivance between certain indigenous peoples and Rwanda in the aggression against the Democratic Republic of Congo. These statements sparked outrage from some ethnic groups, such as the BASHI-BAHAVU CINYABUGUMA Community, which strongly condemned Bitakwira’s remarks and demanded a public apology.
The reactions of the European Union:
European Union Ambassador Jean-Marc Châtaigner reacted strongly to Bitakwira’s remarks, calling them obscene and hateful. In correspondence, he pointed out that these statements were a repeat offense and deserved collective attention. This reaction from the European Union added an international dimension to the case and reinforced the calls for justice.
Defense of Justin Bitakwira:
Following his hearing by the courts, Justin Bitakwira defended himself by saying that he had only informed and enlightened public opinion on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He said he could not answer the questions unless the inspector had read the book “Holocaust in the Congo” by Charles Onana, which he claimed to simply paraphrase. Bitakwira also voiced his criticism of the European Union ambassador and accused him of “giving injunctions to members of the government”, calling it a “public danger”.
Conclusion :
The hearing of Justin Bitakwira by the Congolese justice system highlights the importance of responsible and respectful speeches in the media space. Bitakwira’s controversial remarks sparked outrage from various communities and led to an international backlash from the European Union. It now remains to be seen what the legal consequences will be and the consequences for the former minister. The case also highlights the need to foster dialogue and reconciliation to build a more harmonious and egalitarian Congolese society