Repair of damage to the Nouvel Elan headquarters in Kinshasa, following acts of vandalism committed by ECIDE activists – 2023
The Kinshasa provincial headquarters of the Nouvel Elan political party, led by Adolphe Muzito, was recently the target of acts of vandalism perpetrated by ECIDE activists and sympathizers. These acts of violence caused significant material damage, the assessment of which is still in progress, and also caused injuries among those present.
In a statement, Le Nouvel Elan strongly condemns this barbaric and intolerant behavior in politics. The party recalls that the real fight in politics is at the level of ideas and social projects, and that violence and low blows must be rejected. Le Nouvel Elan therefore asks for an amicable reparation, under penalty of seizing the competent courts, so that the physical and intellectual persons responsible are identified and punished in accordance with the law.
The party also highlights the fact that the evidence of vandalism, including videos already circulating on social networks and the testimonies of victimized activists, will be used as evidence during legal proceedings. Le Nouvel Elan challenges the authorities of the commune of Masina and the National Police, accusing them of not having sufficiently supervised the procession in order to avoid such incidents in an area which had been declared neutral.
The party also expresses its disappointment with the silence of the political leadership of ECIDE, which nevertheless advocates commitment to citizenship, but which seems to remain inaudible in the face of these acts of vandalism. Finally, Le Nouvel Elan calls on its members and supporters to remain calm and to reject any idea of revenge.
It is crucial to reaffirm that violence is incompatible with a healthy and respectful democracy. The acts of vandalism perpetrated against the headquarters of Le Nouvel Elan cannot be justified in any way, and it is essential that those responsible are identified and brought to justice. Only a policy based on the debate of ideas and mutual respect can ensure a democratic and prosperous future for all the citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo