A political meeting organized by the ADD Congo party, led by Prince Epenge Wemakoko, a member of Lamuka, was violently attacked this past Sunday in Kingabwa, in the eastern part of Kinshasa. The event, held at the “Chez Yoyo” hall, was disrupted by several dozen individuals who vandalized the premises and assaulted the attending party members.
“They destroyed everything. We have 12 injured. Who were they looking for? Me,” stated Prince Epenge Wemakoko, mentioning that the victims were taken to nearby hospitals. Witnesses reported that the assailants tore down the party’s banners before launching their attack. Five individuals were taken into custody by the police, but four were released a few hours later.
In a statement, Prince Epenge Wemakoko accused individuals close to the UDPS, the ruling party, of instigating the attack. “Several ADD Congo members were arrested and beaten by the police, who came to aid and colluded with the UDPS forces. This is extremely serious,” he denounced.
“The ADD Congo’s political morning was savagely attacked by the forces of progress. Armed with machetes, the militia’s aim was to eliminate me, according to their words. Outcome: 12 injured and one party member missing. Enough is enough.” The ADD Congo meeting aimed to express its support for the political dialogue initiative led by CENCO and ECC.
As of now, the authorities have not responded to these allegations or announced any potential legal action against the attackers.
Expert Insights on Political Violence
Political violence is unfortunately not uncommon in many parts of the world, and the recent attack on the ADD Congo meeting in Kinshasa is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those involved in political activities. According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, a political analyst specializing in African politics, “Incidents like these not only threaten the safety of individuals but also undermine the democratic process and the right to freedom of speech.”
Community Response and Calls for Justice
The attack on the ADD Congo meeting has sparked outrage among the local community, with many calling for justice for the victims and accountability for those responsible. In a show of solidarity, various civil society organizations have condemned the violence and urged the authorities to take swift action to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.
As the investigation into the attack unfolds, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize transparency, accountability, and respect for democratic principles to prevent further escalation of tensions and violence in the region. The events in Kinshasa serve as a sobering reminder of the fragility of political processes and the importance of upholding the rule of law in the face of such challenges.