The political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is taking an alarming turn. The national deputy, Daniel Safu Butshiemuni, is summoned on Monday, June 5, 2023 before the Special and Temporary Commission for his recidivist behavior. The latter would have “desacralized the function of elected representative of the people and undermined the honorability of the lower house of parliament”, in particular by his remarks inciting tribal hatred.
The Bureau of the Special Commission, composed of 20 members, requested the presence of Daniel Safu Butshiemuni to hear his explanations. The deputy made abusive remarks against his Congolese colleagues from the “Luba” tribe, which were considered by the whole Republic as attacks against Congolese women.
This is not the first time that Daniel Safu has been summoned before a special commission. Indeed, he had already been heard by a similar commission for remarks made on a television channel in which he had received a disciplinary sanction. Unfortunately, that was not enough to make him aware of the challenges and expectations of the Congolese people.
It is time for justice to look into these recidivist behaviors which damage the image of the Congolese parliament. Daniel Safu Butshiemuni’s remarks are unacceptable and offending, hence the need for an exemplary sanction. The political situation in the DRC is already tense enough for politicians to indulge in hateful and tribal remarks.
It is imperative to reaffirm the values of the Democratic Republic of Congo, to defend Congolese women and families, and to preserve the peace and unity of the country. The authorities must take adequate measures to ensure that such behavior does not happen again in the future and to restore the confidence of the Congolese people in their representatives.