The search of the residence of Moïse Katumbi, leader of the Congolese opposition, and that of his adviser Salomon Idi Kalonda Della in Lubumbashi are currently making headlines in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The searches were led by officers in fatigues and plainclothes. In Lubumbashi, vehicles without license plates blocked certain entrances to Avenue Moero, while the house of Salomon Idi Kalonda Della was searched for five hours. In Kinshasa, the residence of Moïse Katumbi was also systematically searched, but nothing was taken away according to Francis Kalombo, spokesperson for the Congolese opponent.
However, the lawyers of Moïse Katumbi, his adviser and members of his party denounced these searches, which were described as irregular and political harassment. According to Dieudonné Bolengetenge, secretary general of Ensemble pour la République, this is an instrumentalization of state services for political ends. He calls on the regime of Felix Tshisekedi Tshilombo to put an end to this provocation which, according to him, risks leading the country to conflagration.
These events occur in a tense political context in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the two political demonstrations organized in the Congolese capital in June as well as the atrocities committed by the codeco militia. The Democratic Republic of Congo is also engaging in pooling to establish a general population file, and the country’s High Court is hearing Warrant Officer Malu in a case of illegal detention and torture at General Luyambi’s. The United Nations is also committed to supporting the cantonment of M23 combatants and the demobilization program for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition, a political platform called Alternative for a new Congo has been set up in the DRC for a better future for the Congolese people.
In this context, the Democratic Republic of Congo must face many challenges to ensure its long-term political stability.