DRC: Opposition outraged following Félix Tshisekedi's remarks on the death of Manassé Lomboto

During a meeting with the Congolese diaspora in Moscow at the end of the Russia-Africa summit, President Félix Tshisekedi made remarks that have sparked a wave of protests within the opposition and civil society in the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to RFI, the head of state specifically commented on the arrest of opposition figure Prince Epenge, who is currently incarcerated at Makala Central Prison on charges of spreading false rumors.

Before his compatriots, the President of the Republic claimed that no protesters had lost their lives during demonstrations under his administration since 2019, questioning the government's responsibility in the death of Manassé Lomboto, which occurred on September 15, 2026, on the sidelines of an opposition protest in Kinshasa. Félix Tshisekedi took the opportunity to criticize the record of his predecessor, Joseph Kabila, whom he accused of having had worshippers killed even inside places of worship.

These statements immediately provoked anger among the country's political figures. Martin Fayulu, leader of the Lamuka coalition for which Prince Epenge serves as spokesperson, reaffirms that Manassé Lomboto died following attacks perpetrated by the Force of Progress, a structure he describes as a militia attached to the presidential party. The opposition leader is demanding the opening of an independent investigation and asserts that intimidation will not mask the truth about this tragedy.

For his part, opposition figure Jean-Marc Kabund fears that the head of state's remarks constitute interference that could influence the work of the magistrates in charge of the Epenge case. For Jean-Claude Katende, president of the human rights organization Asadho, this speech demonstrates the lack of independence of the judiciary. The activist also expressed deep concern over Félix Tshisekedi's stated intention to revise the Constitution, of which he had previously pledged to be the guarantor.

Our perspective

The freedom to demonstrate and the protection of every citizen are fundamental pillars of any sovereign democracy. Faced with the tragic disappearance of an activist, respect for human rights demands that the full truth be brought to light through rigorous and impartial investigations. An independent judiciary remains the sole guarantor of social peace and respect for republican laws.