General elections are approaching in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but the political climate is increasingly tense. Tensions are exacerbated by the arrests of opponents of the regime in place. Recently, national deputy Delly Sesanga, presidential candidate in December, was the victim of an attack during a political tour in Kananga. Projectiles of all kinds were thrown by a hostile group, in the presence of journalists.
This attack sparked a reaction of solidarity from two other potential presidential candidates, Moïse Katumbi and Augustin Matata Ponyo. In a joint statement, they recalled that freedom of expression and the right to free movement are guaranteed by the Constitution and the laws of the country. They condemned these acts of violence and called for an investigation to be opened to identify the perpetrators and those who ordered them.
Katumbi and Matata also denounced the insecurity surrounding presidential candidates and their teams. They called on MONUSCO, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC, to put in place appropriate security arrangements during the electoral period to ensure the credibility and inclusiveness of the electoral process.
Moïse Katumbi stressed that the opponents are not enemies of the regime in place. He deplored the use of violent methods which threaten democracy. He called for promoting love, unity and cohesion rather than hatred, division and chaos.
The political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains tense as elections approach. It is crucial that the authorities guarantee the safety of candidates and ensure that the electoral process takes place in a peaceful and transparent manner. Respect for freedom of expression and fundamental rights is essential to ensure the legitimacy and stability of the future Congolese government.