Since his arrest on September 2, Seth Kikuni, a leading opposition figure in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has remained in detention, sparking a wave of indignation and concern among the population and political community of the country. While his companions in misfortune, Roger Lubambula and Gabriel Musafiri, have been released, Seth Kikuni remains deprived of any contact with his family and lawyers, despite incessant calls for his release.
This detention, unanimously described as “sequestration” by many political and social actors, reveals a desire by the authorities to silence any dissenting voice. The framework for consultation of political and social forces strongly condemned this arrest, stating that it was clearly an attempt to intimidate opponents of the regime in power.
The deprivation of Seth Kikuni’s fundamental rights raises questions about respect for the rule of law and freedom of expression in the DRC. The opponent’s lawyers have taken multiple actions to obtain his immediate release, highlighting the arbitrary and repressive nature of his detention.
This case comes in a tense political context, marked by growing tensions between the government in place and the opposition. Seth Kikuni, known for his critical positions towards President Félix Tshisekedi, embodies a dissident voice that disturbs the current government.
The international community, already concerned about the political situation in the DRC, is closely following the case of Seth Kikuni and calls on the Congolese authorities to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. This arbitrary detention highlights the fragility of democracy in the country and the need to guarantee the protection of political opponents.
In these troubled times, when freedom of expression is undermined, it is essential to defend the rights of individuals to express their opinions without fear of reprisals. The release of Seth Kikuni cannot be delayed any longer, and it is imperative that justice is delivered in accordance with democratic principles and human rights.