The arrest of Salomon Idi Kalonda, private adviser to Moïse Katumbi Chapwe, provoked many reactions in the Congolese socio-political environment. The Voice of the Voiceless (VSV), a human rights NGO, has expressed concern over the heavy-handed methods and brutal repression of opposition protesters in the final days before presidential and legislative elections in the country.
For the VSV, the violent arrest of Salomon Idi Kalonda, which almost came close to kidnapping, is unacceptable and cannot be justified in a state of law. The NGO wonders about the relentlessness and intimidation of political opponents when their voices should be heard and their criticism could improve the management of the country. The VSV calls on the Congolese authorities to conduct an investigation, release Salomon Idi Kalonda unconditionally and put an end to violations of fundamental freedoms.
The Congolese authorities have not yet commented on this case, which comes a few months before the elections and in a context of growing political tensions. Political opponents, such as Martin Fayulu, Moise Katumbi, Delly Sesanga and Augustin Matata, have multiplied actions against power in recent days, calling on the population to resist and exercise citizen vigilance. They pledge to remain united to “bring to a successful conclusion the struggle of the Congolese people for a true rule of law”.
Despite elections approaching in the DRC, whether they will be the solution for the country is far from clear. Nevertheless, some advances have been made to improve the daily lives of Congolese, particularly in access to drinking water or in the establishment of an African foundation for pharmaceutical technology in order to strengthen the continent’s health system.
In summary, the violent and inhuman treatment inflicted on Salomon Idi Kalonda IDI, as well as the brutal repression of opposition protesters, is alarming, and the VSV calls on the Congolese authorities to investigate and protect the fundamental freedoms of all citizens.