The political situation in Congo-Kinshasa is often marked by tensions and political opposition. In 2023, the brutal arrest of Salmon Idi Kalonda, Moise Katumbi’s right-hand man, aroused strong emotion among politicians, activists and opinion leaders.
The incident took place at Ndjili International Airport, as Salmon Idi Kalonda was about to board a private plane with Moïse Katumbi, who had organized an opposition march a few days earlier. Suddenly, a pickup appeared, filled with armed men in military uniform. Salmon Idi Kalonda was violently picked up and hooded before being taken away in less than three minutes.
Video of the incident was widely shared on social media, sparking outrage among opponents and the Congolese population. The arrest was denounced as arbitrary and illegal, without any legal basis. The authorities were called upon to explain themselves and release Kalonda.
The political tension which reigned before the arrest thus reached a peak. Opposition parties have denounced the situation of insecurity and the government’s inability to ensure security in the country, while Western embassies have praised the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) for the organization of elections local.
The tragedy in Beni has also highlighted the need for the DRC to work to stabilize its troubled regions, while the Congolese armed forces have stepped up their fight against jihadist groups.
At the same time, the government is embroiled in an oil scandal that has sparked outrage from civil society and anti-corruption activists. The government’s opaque and costly practices in this area are regularly denounced by the “Congo is not for sale” coalition.
Ultimately, the situation in the DRC remains complex and difficult to grasp, with often contradictory political, security and economic issues. The strength of civil society and the opposition, however, shows that the Congolese are ready to mobilize to defend their rights and freedoms.