The political climate in the Democratic Republic of Congo is currently under tension since the arrest of Salomon Idi Kalonda Della at the end of May. Moïse Moni Della, Solomon’s brother believes that his arrest is unjust and that it is motivated by political reasons, by way of intimidation and harassment.
Indeed, Salomon is the right arm of Moïse Katumbi, one of the opposition leaders, and his arrest could be linked to his loyalty to his political leader. The accusations of collusion with Rwanda are described as preposterous and are seen as an attempt to destabilize the opposition a few months before the presidential elections.
The method used by the authorities recalls those used under the dictatorial regimes of Mobutu and Kabila in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Idi Kalonda Della’s lawyers were prevented from attending the searches and he still has not had access to a lawyer twelve days after his arrest, which is a violation of his fundamental rights.
In addition, Moïse’s 85-year-old mother Moni Della was also taken to task by the authorities, which was never seen under Mobutu or Kabila. For Solomon’s brother, these arbitrary arrests, intimidations and detentions are just further proof that the Democratic Republic of Congo is, in many respects, a dictatorship.
It should be noted that this situation recalls the importance of respect for human rights and freedom of expression, guaranteed by numerous legal texts. The authorities must comply with these rules to avoid any overflow