Title: Political tension rises in the DRC: opposition parliamentarians call for free elections and the release of political prisoners
The political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to deteriorate, with a tense climate prevailing in the country. Parliamentary members of the Together for the Republic party recently expressed their dissatisfaction with the actions of the current government and called for free, transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections.
In their statement of May 31, 2023, the parliamentarians also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Salomon Kalonda, Mike Mukebayi and Lems Omalanga, three political prisoners. They denounced the attitudes of the dictatorial regime, the tribalism and nepotism that prevail in the country, as well as the embezzlement of public funds.
The elected representatives of Ensemble pour la République have invited the international community to condemn the numerous violations of the fundamental rights and freedoms of Congolese citizens that have taken place in recent months. They also called for the audit of the electoral register by a credible and independent body.
Finally, the parliamentarians asked Congolese citizens to remain vigilant and to sanction “severely the bitter failure of the current regime at the time of the elections”.
This statement by Together for the Republic comes at a time when political tension is at its height in the DRC. The country has been plagued by violence and security crises for several years, and the next presidential elections are already looking tense. The international community must remain attentive to the political situation in the DRC and support initiatives aimed at guaranteeing free and transparent elections and the release of political prisoners.