The Democratic Republic of Congo's opposition leader, Jean-Marc Kabund, has expressed concerns that President Félix Tshisekedi may be a victim of a misinformation campaign regarding the death of Manassé Lomboto, a protester who died during an opposition march on September 15. Kabund, a former first vice-president of the National Assembly, made these remarks in response to Tshisekedi's recent statements on the arrest of opposition leader Prince Epenge. Kabund fears that Tshisekedi's advisors may be providing him with inaccurate information about the circumstances of Lomboto's death.
Kabund's concerns are rooted in Tshisekedi's public statements on the matter, which Kabund believes could be perceived as political interference in the judicial process. The opposition leader argues that the President should be the first guarantor of judicial independence in a democratic state. Kabund also claims to have personally seen Lomboto participating in the September 15 march, just before he was attacked with machetes in front of the UDPS headquarters. He has offered to testify before competent judicial authorities.
The case has sparked a heated debate about judicial independence and the role of the President in the DR Congo. According to 7sur7.cd, Kabund's statements highlight the need for the President to respect the independence of the judiciary. The opposition leader's comments have also drawn attention to the potential consequences of Tshisekedi's public statements on the case, which could compromise the fair trial of those involved.
Meanwhile, Prince Epenge, the opposition leader and spokesperson for the Lamuka coalition, has been transferred to the central prison in Makala. His lawyer, Clément Muza, confirmed the transfer, which occurred after the rejection of a request for provisional release. Muza expressed disappointment that the defense was not informed of the decision beforehand and announced that the lawyers would continue their efforts to secure Epenge's release.
The transfer of Epenge to Makala prison has raised concerns about the treatment of opposition leaders in the DR Congo. Le Potentiel reported that Epenge's lawyers consider the judicial treatment of their client to be unjust. The case has also sparked debate about the use of judicial processes to silence opposition voices in the country.
In other news, the Senate has adopted a proposal for a law fixing the conditions for organizing a referendum in the DR Congo. The law was adopted unanimously, under the leadership of Senate President Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde. The vote follows a re-examination of the proposal, which was initially rejected by the Constitutional Court due to concerns about 13 articles.
The adoption of the law marks a significant step forward in the legislative process, but also raises concerns about the challenges of organizing a referendum in the DR Congo. According to Le Potentiel, the country faces significant financial, logistical, and security challenges, particularly in the eastern regions, which could complicate the organization of a credible and inclusive consultation.
Key points
- Jean-Marc Kabund warns President Félix Tshisekedi of misinformation in the Manassé Lomboto case.
- Prince Epenge transferred to Makala prison amid concerns over judicial treatment of opposition leaders.
- DR Congo Senate adopts law on referendum conditions amid concerns over implementation challenges.
