The political landscape in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to generate tension and intense debate. While the Constitutional Court recently confirmed the validity of the candidacies of Moïse Katumbi and Félix Tshisekedi in the presidential election scheduled for December 2023, the civil society organization JUSTICIA ASBL calls on the authorities to calm the political situation by releasing the prisoners politics and opinion.
In a tense climate marked by violent conflicts in certain regions, the judgments of the Constitutional Court were seen as a step towards preparing for elections in a peaceful climate. JUSTICIA ASBL welcomes this progress, but insists on the need for the government to take additional measures to ease tensions and promote political dialogue.
One of the main points raised by JUSTICIA ASBL concerns the release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience. The organization mentions several worrying cases, including that of imprisoned deputies, prosecuted journalists or imprisoned political activists across the country. According to JUSTICIA ASBL, the release of these individuals would contribute to political de-escalation and the creation of a climate conducive to fair and transparent elections.
Alongside this call, JUSTICIA ASBL also encourages political and social actors to remain vigilant and to pay particular attention to electoral observation. This practice, which aims to guarantee the transparency of the electoral process, could provide objective evidence in the event of electoral disputes.
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains complex and requires a balanced approach to guarantee democratic and peaceful elections. By releasing political prisoners and prisoners of conscience and promoting electoral observation, the Congolese authorities could help restore confidence and promote a fair and transparent electoral process.
It is essential that all political and social actors commit to respecting democratic principles and working together to allow the Congolese population to freely choose their leaders. The coming months will be decisive for the country’s political future, and it is crucial that efforts are made to ensure credible and legitimate elections.