### Reflections on political repression: the case of Mike Mukebayi and the State of Democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is at a crossroads of its political history, marked by fierce power and frequent human rights violations. The recent release of the provincial deputy Mike Mukebayi, after prolonged detention, raises crucial questions about the state of democracy and justice in this country rich in resources but often in the grip of governance crises. This case is emblematic not only of Mukebayi’s personal struggle, but also a political system where repression mixes with strategic maneuvers to maintain control.
### Refression as an instrument of political control
The repression of opponents in the DRC is not a new phenomenon. Political figures such as Étienne Tshisekedi and Moïse Katumbi have also been faced with measures that resemble a desire to muzzle any dissent. What is worrying in the case of Mike Mukebayi is the question of legality and transparency in the process that led to its arrest. Arrests without mandate, detentions in unidentified places, and express legal transfers are indices of biased justice.
The violence observed during the demonstration of May 20, 2023, where police forces used excessive force, shows how the state reacts to the protest. Images of this repression, widely shared on social networks, highlight the growing gap between the rights of citizens and the actions of the police. This is symptomatic of a climate that fixes human rights in the background, in favor of rigid social control.
### The impact of social networks in mobilization and information
In a world where information circulates at lightning speed, social networks have taken a preponderant place in political mobilization. In the case of Mukebayi, his visit to television, where he denounced the violence suffered by the opposition, testifies to a strategic use of these platforms. Only, these same networks also become a double edge, exposing dissidents to increased risks.
According to a study by Freedom House, around 35% of countries around the world have restricted internet access due to disinformation or political crises. In the DRC, although digital platforms have favored the emergence of critical public opinion, they also served as a monitoring mechanism on the part of the authorities.
#### Justice between propaganda and reality
In Mukebayi’s account, the inaccuracy of legal proceedings raises serious concerns about the integrity of the judicial system. What do we seek to reach by such maneuvers? This seems to be part of a strategy to dissuade dissonant votes and maintain a control facade. The names of certain magistrates, close to power, evoke a judicial system which, far from serving justice, becomes a tool for political sanctions.
From a statistical point of view, it is important to point out that according to Amnesty International, arbitrary arrests in the DRC have increased by 40% in recent years. This increase reflects a context in which democracy is under pressure, and where respect for fundamental rights is constantly questioned.
### After-Mukebayi: what prospects?
While Mike Mukebayi was released, his return is not just a return to normality. It is an invitation to reflect on the need for structural transformation in Congolese governance. The question remains: where does the DRC go if justice and human rights continue to be trampled on in favor of political interests?
The recent declaration of the Minister of Justice, Constant Mutamba, revealing potential changes in the treatment of political opponents, could offer a glimmer of hope. However, as long as the control mechanisms are not reinforced and transparency in legal proceedings do not become an inalienable achievement, the fear of repressions and arbitrary arrests will continue to float on the Congolese political landscape.
### Conclusion
Mike Mukebayi’s experience is a poignant reminder of the struggles that political opponents should endure in repressive systems. In the information era, the votes of human rights defenders, calling for justice and responsible governance, must be heard stronger. For the DRC, the path to democracy and respect for human rights is sown with pitfalls, but it is crucial to persist in this struggle, not only for the well-being of Congolese peoples, but also for the integrity of international institutions that defend democracy around the world. In this sense, Mukebayi’s fight represents a universal struggle for the fundamental values of a just and equitable world.