Eighteen members of the “ministry of restoration from black Africa” of the prophet Paul Joseph Mukungubila and 7 others of the Bundu dia Kongo (BDK) movement were released Tuesday, October 31 thanks to a presidential pardon. This release ceremony took place at the Makala central prison and the Ndolo military prison in Kinshasa, under the presidency of the Ministry of Human Rights. Other releases are planned in the coming days at Angenga prison where other BDK members are detained.
These BDK followers were condemned in 2008 for their insurrection and their clash with the police in Kongo-Central, which left around fifteen people dead. Subsequently, they demonstrated in May 2010 to obtain the release of three of their companions, then attacked state symbols, including RTNC installations, on December 30, 2013.
In 2014, a damning report from the League of Electors denounced serious human rights violations perpetrated by the Congolese army against members of BDK. Prophet Mukungubila was arrested in May 2014 in South Africa, but he was released on bail a year later, the South African justice system refusing to execute the extradition request due to lack of sufficient evidence of his guilt.
The release of these members of BDK and the Ministry of Restoration from Black Africa raises questions about the reasons for this presidential pardon. The Congolese authorities have not yet given precise explanations for this decision. Some observers see it as a desire for appeasement and national reconciliation, while others highlight international pressures and the government’s political needs.
Whatever the reasons for this release, it is important to emphasize that the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains worrying. Armed groups continue to sow violence in certain regions of the country, attacks on fundamental freedoms are reported, and the justice system often struggles to deal with impunity. It is therefore essential that the Congolese authorities redouble their efforts to guarantee the protection of human rights and promote justice for all.
In conclusion, the release of members of the Ministry of Restoration from Black Africa and the Bundu dia Kongo movement raises questions about the motivations behind this decision. The Democratic Republic of Congo must continue to work to improve the human rights situation in the country and ensure that justice is delivered in a fair and transparent manner.