Adrien Malenga, the national secretary of Ecidé and head of communications, was taken into custody on November 3 at the National Cyber Defense Council (CNC) in Kinshasa. According to his party, Malenga had been summoned to the CNC on November 2 for a supposed working session. He arrived at the CNC on November 3, accompanied by his lawyers, but was immediately taken away without being given a chance to sit down. His lawyers were reportedly turned away and told to go about their business.
The Ecidé party has strongly condemned Malenga's arrest, citing concerns about the circumstances surrounding his detention. The party has demanded that the authorities provide immediate information about the charges against Malenga, his whereabouts, and ensure that his fundamental rights and physical integrity are respected. The arrest has been seen as part of a broader crackdown on opposition figures in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This arrest comes on the heels of the transfer of opposition figure Prince Epenge to Makala central prison. Epenge is accused of spreading false information related to the death of Manassé Lomboto, a militant who was close to Martin Fayulu. The opposition has accused the government of trying to silence them and obstruct the investigation into Lomboto's death.
The opposition coalition, Article 64, has denounced the arrest of Malenga as part of a broader strategy to muzzle the opposition. The coalition has called for independent and credible investigations into Lomboto's death and the violence that occurred during protests on June 12 and September 15.
President Félix Tshisekedi has faced criticism for his recent comments on Lomboto's death. During a visit to Moscow, Tshisekedi stated that Lomboto had died of natural causes, contradicting the opposition's claims. The opposition has accused Tshisekedi of interfering with the judiciary and undermining the investigation into Lomboto's death.
Martin Fayulu has accused Tshisekedi of politicizing the judiciary and using it to silence his opponents. Fayulu has also called for the prosecution of anyone who claims that Lomboto died of natural causes, arguing that they are spreading false information.
The arrest of Adrien Malenga has heightened tensions between the opposition and the government. The opposition has vowed to continue fighting for the truth about Lomboto's death and to hold the government accountable for its actions.
Key points
- The arrest of Adrien Malenga is seen as part of a broader crackdown on opposition figures in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- The opposition has accused President Félix Tshisekedi of interfering with the judiciary and undermining the investigation into Manassé Lomboto's death.
- The opposition is demanding independent and credible investigations into Lomboto's death and the violence that occurred during recent protests.
