In the province of Kasaï-Central, the democratic space faces serious restrictions. The citizen movement LUCHA is sounding the alarm in a recent statement. According to them, since the arrival of Governor John Kabeya Shikeyi, acts of political intolerance, vandalism, physical attacks, torture, intimidation, arbitrary arrests and even programs inciting hatred have multiplied.
LUCHA points the finger at a well-identified political party, the UDPS and its allies, as being responsible for these acts. Faced with this decline in democracy and the establishment of totalitarian power in the province, LUCHA strongly condemns these practices. She calls on Governor John Kabeya to strictly respect democratic standards.
In addition, LUCHA is asking the national Minister of the Interior to transfer the commander of the Congolese National Police (PNC) from the city, Colonel John Mbela, because of his incapacity and his alleged complicity.
Faced with this worrying situation, LUCHA announces that it will implement large-scale actions if these recommendations are not taken into account.
It should be recalled that in December 2022, activists from LUCHA and the Civil Society of Congo were violently attacked by a group of unidentified people during a demonstration to demand the start of work on the Kananga-Kalambambuji road. .
The situation in Kasaï-Central province is therefore alarming. LUCHA, as a citizen movement committed to change, calls for the defense of the rule of law and democracy. Let’s hope that its recommendations will be heard and that concrete measures will be taken to put an end to these restrictions of the democratic space. Respect for democratic standards is essential to ensure a better future for the province of Kasaï-Central and for the Democratic Republic of Congo as a whole.