Immediate release of Salomon Idi Kalonda: Augustin Matata Ponyo steps up to the plate
Senator Augustin Matata Ponyo, president of the LGD political party, demands the immediate release of Salomon Idi Kalonda, son of Maniema province and private adviser to opponent Moïse Katumbi. The latter was arrested on May 30 at N’djili International Airport in Kinshasa, as he was preparing to leave the city with the opponent. For Augustin Matata Ponyo, this kidnapping is a barbaric act which cannot be tolerated and which only reinforces the tensions between power and the opposition.
The senator recently made this statement in Kindu, on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. He expressed his dismay at the fact that the sons and daughters of the province of Maniema are still the target of the power in place. According to him, it is high time for the government to stop harassing this region of the DRC. He thus launched a solemn appeal for Salomon Idi Kalonda to be released unconditionally.
The detention of Salomon Idi Kalonda is linked to the discovery of a firearm on him. However, judicial sources reveal that there would be other grievances against this special adviser to Moïse Katumbi, declared candidate for the next presidential election. He is currently imprisoned in the military intelligence staff cell (ex-DEMIAP).
The arrest of Salomon Idi Kalonda is still a sign of the persistent tension between power and the opposition in the DRC. Arbitrary arrests and acts of violence are increasing, raising concerns about the upcoming presidential elections. These are planned for 2023 and are supposed to mark a turning point for the country.
In short, once again, the DRC must face a tense and uncertain political climate as the presidential elections approach. Arbitrary arrests are hardly likely to reassure citizens and raise fears of slippages in terms of security and respect for human rights.
Sources:
– https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/06/02/appel-a-la-liberation-des-prisonniers-politiques-et-a-la-fin-de-la-dictature-lultimatum-des-deputes -and-senators-together-for-the-republic-in-drc/
– http://www.mediacongo.net/dpics/filesmanager/actualite/2023_actu1/06-juin/1-4/matata_ponyo_augustin_a_kindu_23