The Minister of Human Rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Albert Fabrice Puela, condemned the violent repression of the march against « dear life » organized on Saturday May 20 in Kinshasa by the opposition, and called on justice to to open investigations in order to establish responsibilities.
« Although we rightly understand the internal security imperatives imposed by the many challenges facing the city of Kinshasa and its surroundings, we condemn in the strongest possible terms the acts of repression perpetrated by certain security elements against the demonstrators this Saturday. May 20, 2023,” the government official said in a statement.
He stressed that “acts of brutality both on minors, adult compatriots, and on political actors are in no way acceptable”, while calling “for collective and individual empowerment to internalize security imperatives; the non-enlistment of minors in political combats, respect both for the laws of the Republic and for the guidelines of the political-administrative authorities”.
“In addition, we bring to the attention of both national and international opinion that Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, in his capacity as guarantor of the proper functioning of institutions and respect for human rights, does not in any way tolerate the violation of these whatever the motivation”, continued the Minister.
Albert Fabrice Puela demanded « urgent investigations from justice so that responsibilities are established on the various observed violations of human rights, so that this cycle of violence only belongs to the past ».
The police blunders recorded during the demonstration were denounced by several observers both inside and outside the country. The police justified their interventions by the fact that the demonstrators took the path which was not authorized.
By OMA Newsletter N° 1179 of 05/22/2023
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
