CNSA actions ease tensions ahead of Congo dialogue

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a week after launching the census of political and opinion prisoners, the National Oversight Council for the Agreement and Electoral Process, CNSA, emphasizes that this initiative applies to all eligible individuals. The Council underscores a fundamental principle: justice is universal.

The initiative aims to support confidence-building measures the CNSA views as essential for an upcoming inclusive dialogue in the DRC. The Council seeks to compile a list to submit to President Félix Tshisekedi, enabling him to take preemptive actions before the national dialogue commences.

“Justice knows no bounds”

The CNSA has established specific criteria, including reviewing dossiers of individuals whose names may appear on its list, with potential amnesty in mind.

Among the prominent figures mentioned are Aubin Minaku and Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, respectively Vice President and Permanent Secretary of the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) under former President Joseph Kabila. Their names may be included in the CNSA’s list.

“I believe that when people are arrested, within 48 hours, they must be brought before their natural judges. Based on what we’ve read, they’ve been held for roughly six months,” explains Joseph Olenghankoy, CNSA President, who also stresses the need to examine case files. He adds, “There’s already a violation of the law here. Justice is blind. When rights apply, they apply to everyone. Our duty is to bring these concerns to the authority with the power to grant releases, to facilitate dialogue among Congolese citizens.”

PPRD advocates for the release of its leaders

This initiative has been warmly received by the political family of Aubin Minaku and Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary.

“If through the CNSA’s initiative, we can secure the release of our detained comrades, we can only commend this effort. Any initiative, regardless of its origin, that aims to secure the freedom of our comrades—Aubin Minaku, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, Dunia Kilanga, Parole Kamizelo, and many others—deserves our full support,” states Lucain Kasongo, a PPRD cadre.

Days ago, Justicia ASBL, a human rights organization, submitted a list of nearly 100 individuals considered political or opinion prisoners to the Minister of Justice.

Death sentences complicate confidence-building

The list also includes individuals sentenced to death, such as former President Joseph Kabila and Corneille Nangaa, coordinator of the AFC/M23 rebellion.

Timothée Mbuya, Coordinator of Justicia ASBL, believes these death sentences should also be quashed to foster trust. He states, “A political measure must be taken to annul convictions, particularly against former President Joseph Kabila and even Corneille Nangaa. We believe this is crucial to building the political trust needed for an inclusive dialogue.”

The question remains whether the CNSA’s initiative will yield concrete confidence-building measures, as calls for inclusive dialogue grow louder across the DRC.