Title: Ensuring the security of presidential candidates in the DRC: an urgent request
Introduction :
In a political context marked by growing insecurity, political figures in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are calling for adequate security to be guaranteed to ensure the protection of presidential candidates. Faced with a wave of attacks and acts of political intolerance, Augustin Matata and Moïse Katumbi strongly condemned the attack against the procession of Delly Sesanga, declared candidate for the 2023 presidential election. In a press release, they expressed concern about the safety of the candidates and called on MONUSCO, the United Nations Mission in the DRC, to intervene to provide the necessary protection.
Unacceptable acts of violence:
In the joint press release, Augustin Matata and Moïse Katumbi strongly condemned the acts of violence perpetrated against Delly Sesanga’s procession. Projectiles were thrown and an atmosphere of political intolerance was observed during this attack in Kananga, in the Kasai-Central province. The two political figures described these acts as barbaric and demanded the opening of an investigation to identify the perpetrators and sponsors of this attack, so that they can be brought to justice and severely punished.
The pressing demand to strengthen security:
Faced with this escalation of violence and threats weighing on the 2023 presidential candidates, Augustin Matata and Moïse Katumbi urged MONUSCO to put in place an appropriate security system to ensure the protection of the candidates and their close entourages. They recalled the essential role of MONUSCO as the representation of the international community in the DRC, and insisted on the need for rapid intervention to guarantee the security of political figures engaged in the electoral campaign.
A worrying situation for democracy:
These attacks against presidential candidates raise serious concerns about democratic respect and freedom of expression in the DRC. Political intolerance, violence and intimidation threaten the stability of the electoral process and citizens’ confidence in the political system. It is essential to put an end to this spiral of violence to preserve the integrity of elections and guarantee the democratic participation of all political actors.
Conclusion :
The demand from political opponents, Augustin Matata and Moïse Katumbi, to strengthen the security of presidential candidates in the DRC is an urgent call to act in the face of rising political insecurity. It is imperative that MONUSCO responds to this request and takes the necessary measures to protect candidates and prevent any form of violence or intimidation.. The security of political actors is an essential element to guarantee free, transparent and democratic elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo.