Women Enamored of Justice for the Liberation of Salomon Kalonda and others, a spontaneous organization born of the current political and social situation in the DRC, organized a sit-in this Friday, July 21 in front of the headquarters of Monusco and the United States Embassy in Kinshasa. Their demonstration aims to demand justice for Chérubin Okende, an opposition deputy recently assassinated, and the release of Salomon Kalonda and Mike Mukebayi, executives of the party Together for the Republic.
Waving the flag of the DRC, brandishing signs with the effigy of Chérubin Okende and Salomon Kalonda, these women denounce the acts of violence which are increasing with the approach of the elections and demand security as well as the unconditional release of those arrested. They claim that the files against Kalonda and Mukebayi are empty and declare “Enough is enough, we can’t shut the mouth of the opposition, justice for Chérubin”.
Annie Atibu, representative of the organization, declared during the sit-in: “Let us release Salomon Kalonda and Mike Mukebayi because their files are empty. We, the women, are determined to go very far. If MONUSCO does not react to our memo, if it does not bring the Congolese population to safety, we reserve the right to take legal action against MONUSCO and the embassies present for non-assistance to a people in danger”.
The organization also submitted a memorandum to the United States Embassy in the DRC, asking to activate the necessary lobbying to enforce the rights of Salomon Kalonda, to challenge the Congolese government on its international commitments and to demand an independent investigation into the assassination of Chérubin Okende.
This demonstration highlights the fears of opposition politicians in the face of the treatment they have suffered in recent months. Arrests, searches and kidnappings are increasing, especially against members of the Together for the Republic party, of which Salomon Kalonda is a high-ranking executive. His imprisonment has already lasted for more than 45 days, despite arguments put forward by his political party dismantling the charges against him.
Regarding the assassination of Chérubin Okende, investigations are underway to find the culprits. Forensic medical experts were requested by Congolese justice to shed light on the circumstances of the murder. However, we are still awaiting the results of the autopsy and expert opinions to determine the modus operandi of the perpetrators of this act. The participation of foreign experts was also requested.
This demonstration by Women Enamored of Justice highlights the tensions and concerns surrounding the elections in the DRC. It also underlines the importance of citizen mobilization and the defense of rights to ensure justice and security in the country.
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