New director of the CNS and the ANR in DR Congo: ACAJ welcomes the appointments and calls for respect for human rights and an end to illegal detentions
The Congolese Association for Access to Justice (ACAJ) welcomes the appointment of new officials of the National Security Council (CNS) and the National Intelligence Agency (ANR) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These appointments come in response to concerns raised by ACAJ regarding abuses committed by some security service officials who have failed to comply with the laws and regulations of the rule of law.
In a statement issued this Wednesday, August 2, 2023, ACAJ urges new officials to work in the public interest and refrain from any human rights violations, including kidnappings, arrests and unlawful detentions. ACAJ also stresses the importance of regular checks in places of detention and the obligation to respond to requests from the competent judicial authority in the event of arbitrary detention or violation of fundamental rights.
In addition, the ACAJ calls on the new officials to fight against corruption by putting an end to the shameful practices of soliciting economic operators for their installation and office equipment.
The ACAJ reminds the new leaders of the CNS and the ANR of the commitment of the President of the Republic in favor of the humanization and the compatibility of the security services with the principles of the rule of law. This includes, among other things, closing underground cells, humanizing working methods by paying strict attention to human rights and harshly punishing unruly officers.
The appointment of these new officials comes after criticism of the security services towards opposition political actors in the context of the next elections scheduled for December 2023. Human rights organizations have mobilized for the release political figures arbitrarily arrested.
Since his accession to the presidency, Félix Tshisekedi has made several changes at the head of the ANR. It is now important that the new leaders of the CNS and the ANR fully commit to respecting human rights and putting an end to illegal detentions.
In conclusion, the appointment of new CNS and ANR officials in the DR Congo is welcomed by ACAJ, which calls on them to work for the respect of human rights, the end of illegal detentions and the fight against corruption. This new era can be an opportunity to lead the country towards a rule of law worthy of the name, guaranteeing individual freedoms and respect for fundamental rights