CNSA moves to free political prisoners ahead of Congo dialogue

The National Council for Monitoring the Agreement and Electoral Process (CNSA) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has launched a comprehensive review of political and opinion prisoners, marking a significant step toward easing tensions ahead of an anticipated inclusive national dialogue.

This initiative, designed to compile a detailed list of detainees, aims to provide President Félix Tshisekedi with actionable insights to facilitate pre-dialogue measures. The CNSA underscores its commitment to impartial justice, emphasizing that legal rights apply universally without exception.

Righting legal wrongs before dialogue

The CNSA’s efforts focus on identifying individuals whose cases may warrant amnesty, including high-profile figures linked to former President Joseph Kabila’s PPRD party. Among those mentioned are Aubin Minaku, the party’s vice president, and Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, its secretary-general. Both could benefit from the council’s review process.

Joseph Olenghankoy, CNSA president, stressed the urgency of judicial compliance, stating, “Within 48 hours of arrest, detainees must appear before their natural judges. Reports indicate some have been held for six months without due process.” He added, “The law is colorblind. If rights exist, they must be upheld. Our role is to present these concerns to the authorities to secure releases and foster an environment conducive to dialogue.”

The PPRD welcomes the initiative

The PPRD party, representing Minaku and Shadary, has publicly endorsed the CNSA’s move. Lucain Kasongo, a PPRD cadre, remarked, “If this initiative secures the release of our detained members—Aubin Minaku, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, Dunia Kilanga, Parole Kamizelo, and others—we wholeheartedly support it. Any effort to free our colleagues is a step in the right direction.”

Human rights group Justicia ASBL recently submitted a list of over 100 individuals to the Justice Minister, identifying them as political or opinion prisoners.

Death sentences complicate the path to reconciliation

The path to easing political tensions is further complicated by the presence of controversial death sentences, including those handed down to former President Joseph Kabila and Corneille Nangaa, coordinator of the AFC/M23 rebellion. Timothée Mbuya of Justicia ASBL argues these sentences must be overturned to build trust. “A political gesture is needed to annul these convictions, particularly for Joseph Kabila and Corneille Nangaa. Such measures are essential to foster the trust required for an inclusive dialogue,” he stated.

As calls for an inclusive dialogue grow louder across the DRC, the CNSA’s initiative may prove pivotal in determining whether tangible steps toward national reconciliation materialize.