Today marks 10 years since Kinshasa experienced violent repression on September 19, 2016. On that day, several protesters lost their lives, including nine who were burned to death at the headquarters of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS). The UDPS and other opposition party offices were attacked and vandalized by soldiers and militiamen loyal to then-President Joseph Kabila. Two generals, Amisi Tango Fort and Djadidja, led the repression, arrest, and elimination of opponents.
Moïse Moni Della, president of the National Council for the Defense of Democracy (CONADE), was arrested and imprisoned at Makala prison following the September 19, 2016, opposition demonstration. He was accused of being the intellectual author of a popular uprising, insurrection, and subversion against the government, facing the death penalty. However, his lawyers raised an exception of unconstitutionality against the law on flagrant proceedings, which was used by the prosecution to undermine the defense.
Moni Della expressed gratitude to his lawyers, including Georges Kapiamba, Landry Pongo, and Christian Nkoy, as well as journalists, members of his party, and other opposition leaders. He also thanked the late President Étienne Tshisekedi, his fellow opposition members, and various organizations that supported him. The politician proposed that September 19, 2016, be indelibly inscribed in the country's history and a memorial be erected at the UDPS headquarters in memory of the nine protesters killed.
On that fateful day, several opposition party offices were attacked, including the FONUS of Olenghankoy, the MLP of Franck Diongo, the CONADE of Moïse Moni Della, and the UDPS of Étienne Tshisekedi. The repression resulted in numerous casualties and arrests. Moni Della's experience serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Congolese people in their pursuit of democracy and human rights.
The CENCO-ECC and national dialogue have aimed to reconcile Congolese citizens without resorting to armed politics. However, the country continues to grapple with issues of accountability, human rights, and democratic governance. As the nation reflects on its past, there is a growing need for healing, justice, and economic development.
In a separate development, a recent survey revealed that 68% of Congolese citizens believe the mobilization of the C64 is weak. The survey, conducted in Kinshasa and other provincial capitals, highlights the ongoing challenges in mobilizing citizens around key national issues. The findings underscore the need for greater civic engagement and participation in the country's development.
As the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to navigate its complex history and ongoing challenges, citizens and leaders alike are calling for greater accountability, transparency, and economic growth. The commemoration of September 19, 2016, serves as a poignant reminder of the country's ongoing struggle for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Key points
- Moni Della was arrested and imprisoned at Makala prison following the September 19, 2016, opposition demonstration.
- The repression on September 19, 2016, resulted in numerous casualties and arrests, including nine protesters burned to death at the UDPS headquarters.
- Moni Della proposed that September 19, 2016, be indelibly inscribed in the country's history and a memorial be erected at the UDPS headquarters.
