RDC: LAMUKA Marches Against Arbitrary Arrests, Demands Guarantees Against Third Term
Political parties Ecidé, Addcongo, and other members of the LAMUKA coalition took to the streets on Saturday, January 24, marching along Boulevard Lumumba in Kinshasa. Their mission: to demand the immediate release of their leaders who were abducted by security forces a month ago and taken to an undisclosed location.
LAMUKA, a coalition known for its opposition stance, raised their voices against what they described as “arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and death threats” targeting their members. Prince Epenge, the coalition’s spokesperson, made a strong statement calling on the Tshisekedi regime to halt these practices that violate fundamental human rights.
The coalition did not stop there. They also criticized President Félix Tshisekedi’s handling of the security crisis in the eastern part of the country, particularly after the fall of Minova and the deteriorating situation around Goma. Epenge did not mince words, declaring that the current chaos demonstrates Tshisekedi’s inability to protect the Congolese people.
One of the core demands of LAMUKA was for President Tshisekedi to publicly abandon any plans to amend the Constitution in order to seek a third term in office. Epenge emphasized that they were adamant about Tshisekedi either stepping down or formally announcing the abandonment of his alleged sinister scheme to alter the Constitution.
The streets of Kinshasa echoed with chants, banners, and passionate speeches as the members of LAMUKA made their voices heard. Their determination was palpable, their message clear: they would not stand down until their demands were met. As the sun set on Boulevard Lumumba, the echoes of their protest lingered in the air, a reminder of the power of unity and determination in the face of adversity.