Title: Arrest of Salomon Kalonda Della in the DRC: allegations of human rights violations and criticism of the Félix Tshisekedi regime
The arrest of Salomon Kalonda Della continues to make waves in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Senior adviser to opposition leader Moïse Katumbi, Kalonda was arrested by military intelligence at N’Djili International Airport as he was about to board a flight to Lubumbashi.
Five days after his arrest, his older brother, Moïse Moni Della, held a press conference in Kinshasa, expressing his fears for his brother’s life. He claimed that Kalonda’s arrest had been planned by the Presidency of the Republic, denouncing the regime of “fear and terror” established by President Felix Tshisekedi.
So far, authorities have not released the reasons for Kalonda’s arrest. But for Moïse Della, his brother was arrested simply because of his support for Moïse Katumbi. This interpretation is shared by some opposition leaders, who denounce a violation of human rights.
Several dozen people demonstrated in Kinshasa to demand the release of Kalonda. Authorities, for their part, say his arrest is linked to an investigation into a case of financial malfeasance. This explanation is far from convincing some observers, who recall the arbitrary arrests that marked the regime of ex-president Joseph Kabila.
This situation is a reminder of the fragility of the rule of law in the DRC, as the country prepares to organize general elections in December 2023. The question of human rights is a major issue, which should be at the center of the debate. audience