Martin Fayulu, leader of the ECiDé party, has strongly denounced the arrest of Prince Epenge, president of ADD Congo and spokesperson for Lamuka. Fayulu described the detention as arbitrary, especially given the recent decision by Justice Minister Guillaume Ngefa to suspend admissions of new inmates to the overcrowded Makala central prison in Kinshasa.
Prince Epenge was arrested on Sunday at N'djili International Airport as he was about to board a flight to Rome for a meeting of the Coalition Article 64 (C64). He was initially reported missing but was later found at the National Cyber Defense Council (CNC), where he was questioned before being transferred to the prosecutor's office near the Kinshasa/Gombe tribunal.
Epenge is accused of spreading false rumors related to the death of Manassé Lomboto, a security official from his political party, who died during an opposition march in Kinshasa on September 15. Fayulu and other opposition leaders have condemned the arrest, with Devos Kitoko, secretary-general of ECiDé, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent that might lead to the use of armed struggle as a means of seeking respect.
The arrest has sparked concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Fayulu has called for Epenge's immediate and unconditional release, stating that he has no place in the Makala prison. The situation has also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Lomboto's death and the progress of the judicial investigation.
The case has drawn attention to the ongoing tensions between the opposition and the government in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The opposition has faced several challenges in recent months, including restrictions on their activities and the arrest of key leaders.
Meanwhile, the body of Manassé Lomboto remains at the morgue of the Cinquantenaire hospital, and the judicial investigation into his death has yet to yield results. This has fueled concerns about the effectiveness of the justice system and the government's commitment to accountability.
The international community has been following the developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo with concern. Two US senators, Jeffrey A. Merkley and Marsha Blackburn, have urged the NBA to end its partnership with the Rwandan government, citing Rwanda's alleged involvement in destabilizing the region.
Key points
- Martin Fayulu condemns the arrest of Prince Epenge as arbitrary and an attack on democracy.
- Prince Epenge was arrested for allegedly spreading false rumors related to the death of a security official from his party.
- The arrest has sparked concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
