Title: Relatives of candidate Augustin Matata Ponyo Mapon victims of a brutal attack in Shabunda
Introduction :
The electoral campaign in the Democratic Republic of Congo takes a dramatic turn as relatives of Augustin Matata Ponyo Mapon, candidate for the December 2023 presidential election, were savagely attacked in Shabunda, in the province of South Kivu. This attack, perpetrated by activists close to the Sacred Union, aroused the indignation of the political party Leadership and Governance for Development (LGD), to which the victims belong.
A reprehensible act of violence:
The Secretary General of the LGD, Franklin Tshamala Manyiku, strongly denounced this barbaric attack which took place on September 26, 2023. National MP candidate Munkunga Tabena Mukum’s, accompanied by his team, was attacked while they were returning from a mission electoral awareness. The attackers, armed with machetes, confused their target and struck Mr. Munkunga Tabena with a machete. The victims were evacuated to Bukavu hospital where they are recovering from their injuries.
Attackers released without investigation:
However, the LGD denounced the release of the attackers arrested by the population of the village of Kifuko. According to the party, no investigation was carried out to lead to their conviction. This situation arouses indignation from the LGD, which denounces the terror and violence used by Union Sacrée activists to intimidate political opponents across the country.
Call for vigilance and the fight for democracy:
Despite this attack, the LGD does not give up and calls on its activists and sympathizers to be vigilant when traveling. The party reaffirms its commitment to democratic political life and a rule of law that protects citizens.
Conclusion :
The brutal attack on relatives of Augustin Matata Ponyo Mapon in Shabunda is a reprehensible act of violence that highlights the political tensions reigning in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The release of the attackers without investigation raises the question of impunity and the security of political actors. The LGD calls for vigilance and the continuation of the fight for a truly established democracy in the country.