VSV: Demande Enquête Mort Manifestant C64 Kinshasa Après Violences

• La Voix des sans voix (VSV) has called for an independent inquiry into violence during C64 coalition demonstrations in Kinshasa on September 15.
• The VSV's statement, issued September 21, also condemned reported violence and restrictions on demonstrations in several provinces.
• A specific incident in Limete commune, involving machete-wielding individuals, resulted in one death and multiple injuries.
• VSV Executive Director Rostin Manketa urged authorities to conduct impartial judicial investigations and publicly condemn the violence.
• The organization also called on C64 leaders and all political and civil society actors to prioritize peaceful actions and uphold fundamental freedoms.

Leaders serving a regime should conscientiously avoid creating situations, whether knowingly or unknowingly, that could undermine their leader's reputation concerning respect for human rights and democratic principles.

The prominent human rights organization La Voix des sans voix (VSV) has issued a compelling demand for the immediate opening of an independent inquiry following the severe violence that marred demonstrations by the C64 coalition in Kinshasa on September 15. In a detailed communiqué released on Monday, September 21, the VSV not only expressed its strong condemnation of the reported acts of violence but also drew attention to the concerning trend of restrictions imposed on public demonstrations across various provinces of the country. This urgent call for an independent investigation underscores the critical need for accountability and transparency regarding public safety and the fundamental right to peaceful assembly within the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Beyond its initial demand for an independent inquiry, La Voix des sans voix RDC has specifically pressed Congolese authorities to initiate impartial judicial investigations without delay. The stated purpose of these investigations, according to the VSV, is to meticulously establish responsibility for the aggressions reported against opposition activists, ensuring that justice is served. This persistent push for a robust enquête judiciaire droits humains RDC reflects a deep-seated desire for greater justice, transparency, and adherence to human rights principles within the nation's legal and governance structures.

Rostin Manketa, who serves as the Executive Director of the VSV, significantly amplified these demands through a powerful Rostin Manketa déclaration, directly appealing to the authorities to publicly and unequivocally condemn the violence. Manketa articulated a clear principle: leaders serving a regime should conscientiously avoid creating situations, whether knowingly or unknowingly, that could undermine their leader's reputation concerning respect for human rights and democratic principles. He emphatically stated that Congolese authorities must take proactive measures to prevent any recurrence of events akin to those on September 15, 2026, by issuing public and solemn condemnations of all violent acts that have characterized such demonstrations.

In its comprehensive statement, the VSV also extended a crucial appeal to the leaders and sympathizers affiliated with the C64 coalition, urging them to consistently prioritize peaceful actions in their engagements. This recommendation is strategically aimed at de-escalating political tensions and fostering an environment that is more conducive to constructive dialogue and civic participation, rather than confrontation. The organization firmly believes that a steadfast commitment to non-violence from all involved parties is absolutely essential for maintaining social stability and protecting democratic processes.

Furthermore, the VSV explicitly invited all political and civil society actors to unequivocally reject violence in all its forms and to actively dedicate their efforts towards upholding fundamental freedoms and strengthening the rule of law across the nation. This broader call underscores the organization's unwavering commitment to core democratic principles and the protection of human rights, advocating for a society where public expression can flourish without the pervasive fear of aggression or unwarranted restriction. The emphasis on these foundational tenets remains central to the VSV's ongoing mission within the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Lawyers and compliance officers in the DRC should monitor the progress and findings of this requested independent inquiry, as it could set precedents for state accountability regarding human rights during public demonstrations and inform advice to clients on freedom of assembly and potential litigation risks.

Source: Original reporting via Congolese media.