Activists from the citizen movement Lutte pour le Changement (Lucha RDC-Afrique) were arrested in Goma during a peaceful demonstration against the coinage of duplicates of voter cards by agents of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). Several members of Lucha were arrested and taken to Goma town hall where they spent the night in detention. These arrests follow other demonstrations organized by the movement, including a campaign to demand access to drinking water in Goma.
Lucha activists denounce the sale of duplicate voter cards, as well as the delay in issuing new copies to replace illegible registration cards. This practice of coinage and the bureaucratic slowness of the CENI have aroused the indignation of citizens who see it as an obstacle to their democratic right to freely participate in elections.
Lucha is a citizen movement committed to the defense of rights and the promotion of democracy in DR Congo. They play an active role in raising public awareness and mobilizing for change. However, their peaceful actions are often repressed by the authorities, reflecting the challenges faced by human rights defenders in the country.
The situation in Goma is all the more worrying as access to drinking water has become a major problem. Many families are forced to refuel at Lake Kivu, thus exposing their health to many risks. Lucha activists also staged a protest to draw attention to this crisis and demand urgent solutions.
Faced with these events, Lucha called for the immediate and unconditional release of the arrested activists. They emphasize the importance of freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate peacefully in a democratic society.
This arrest of activists represents a new example of the challenges facing citizen movements and human rights defenders in DR Congo. Repression and intimidation by the authorities remain obstacles to the fight for change and the promotion of democracy. It is essential that the international community remains vigilant and supports the efforts of Lucha and other similar organizations in their quest for a better future.
In conclusion, the arrests of Lucha activists in Goma are a reminder of the importance of freedom of expression and the right to peacefully demonstrate. These events highlight the challenges faced by human rights defenders in DR Congo and highlight the need for continued support from the international community. It is essential that these courageous voices can continue to be heard in their fight for a democratic and equitable future