
The former Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Augustin Matata Ponyo Mampon, was banned from giving a lecture in Kenge by the governor of Kwango province, Jean-Marie Petit Petit Tamata. Some feel that Matata Ponyo should not be allowed to travel to the city given that he was not sufficiently involved in the Bukangalonzo agro-industrial park project, which the people of Kwanga had supported, but which did not failed during his tenure. Others argue that Matata Ponyo is free to move around the country as a Congolese citizen. The political situation in the DRC remains tense and complex, and the authorities continue to restrict the freedom of speech of some citizens.