Scenes of jubilation and relief invaded the streets of Kindu, capital of Maniema, upon the announcement of the release on bail of Salomon Kalonda Idi, special advisor to Moïse Katumbi and eminent member of the political party Ensemble pour la République.
Residents, radiating joy, gathered near the political party headquarters to express their happiness and gratitude. Their cries of jubilation and songs of gratitude echoed throughout the city, bearing witness to the long-awaited liberation.
A voice from the crowd spoke up: “He was unjustly arrested, but today he is finally free. We thank God for his release.”
Salomon Kalonda’s lawyer, Maître Laurent Onyemba, confirmed the news with enthusiasm. He explained that the Military Court granted provisional release to his client due to health problems requiring treatment abroad.
This decision by the Military Court follows a series of previous requests for provisional release which had been rejected. The judgment was motivated by the worrying state of health of Salomon Kalonda, confirmed by the evaluation of nineteen doctors.
Arrested in May 2023 at N’djili airport, Salomon Kalonda was kept in detention despite challenges from his lawyers over the legality of his deprivation of liberty. As an elected provincial deputy, his legitimacy was confirmed by the Maniema Provincial Assembly, paving the way for the resumption of his functions in the service of the population.
The provisional release of Salomon Kalonda marks a turning point in this affair and revives hope among his supporters and supporters in Kindu and beyond.
Chadrack Londe, reporting from Kindu.
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