It’s time to shake off our collective indifference! On Saturday, July 29, 2023, a shocking event rocked the streets of Kananga, in central Kasai. Delly Sesanga, an opposition figure and declared presidential candidate, was the target of a deplorable act of violence. In broad daylight, as his procession was crossing the city, a projectile was thrown at his head by an unidentified assailant.
Mr. Sesanga, president of the political party Envol, was on tour to promote Congo’s reform, a peaceful political initiative. It is in this context that this unacceptable assault took place — an act that is not only an attack on an individual but an attack on democracy itself.
A video massively shared on social media shows the exact moment the stone hits Delly Sesanga’s head. And despite this assault, with unwavering courage, the candidate continued his procession to his residence.
This incident is an attack on our freedom, our democracy, and the right of every citizen to express their opinions and aspire to public office. It is clear that we can no longer tolerate this kind of violence. We must take a stand and demand immediate action!
We must call on authorities to take concrete and effective measures to ensure the safety of all election candidates and all citizens. Violence must be condemned, and those responsible must be brought to justice. It is crucial that our leaders understand that the safety of our citizens and respect for our rights are absolute priorities.
The Kananga incident is a brutal wake-up call to the reality of violence threatening our democracy. We cannot remain silent. We must not allow these acts of violence to continue to sow fear and insecurity among our citizens.
It is time to demand action; it is time for change. This act of violence against Delly Sesanga must be the catalyst for a popular movement for security, respect for human rights, and democracy. We must transform this anger into action. We must ensure that this shocking incident is the last of its kind.
We call for a popular mobilization to demand that authorities take concrete and immediate measures. It is time to make our voices heard. It is time to say “enough” to violence. It is time to defend our democracy and guarantee a peaceful future for all.
[09:40, 30/07/2023] Franck Zongwe NEW: A Golden Mess: The Power Conflict Paralyzing the DRC In a country where gold is as abundant as mud, the Congolese people should be swimming in prosperity. Unfortunately, power, bureaucracy, and indecisiveness continue to hamper our growth potential. The recent cacophony between the presidential decree and the provincial ministerial decision of Bukavu is living proof of this.
Lately, the DRC’s first gold refinery saw its inauguration postponed due to a withdrawal of operating authorization. The Ministry of Mines, led by Minister Antoinette N’Samba, withdrew the approval for the mining company Congo Gold Refinery, based in Bukavu, citing “non-compliance with social obligations”.
The decision is surprising and provokes a feeling of indignation, not only because it hampers economic growth, but also because it seems to be based on a misinterpretation of the mining code. According to experts, processing entities are not subject to the specifications, an obligation that only applies to holders of mining rights and quarrying operation authorizations.
It is shocking that the Minister of Mines uses her power to hinder the inauguration of a facility that could have transformed our economy. This gold refinery, the first in the DRC, is a modern plant of almost 1200 m2, capable of processing 200 kg of gold per day and 2 tons per month.
This situation raises questions about the effectiveness of our government, the interpretation of laws, and the administration’s willingness to encourage economic development.
Is Minister N’Samba’s decision motivated by the well-being of the Congolese people? Or is it another manifestation of a dysfunctional power system that continues to hinder the economic momentum of our nation?
It is high time for the authorities to take bold actions to rectify this situation. The Congolese people deserve better than this cacophony of decisions. We deserve a government that works for the well-being of all, not for the ambition of a few.
This is not just a matter of a gold refinery, it’s a matter of economic development, prosperity for all, and government responsibility. It’s time for popular anger to be heard and for the authorities to react accordingly. The future of the DRC depends on it.