DRC: the anger of Prime Minister Sylvestre Ilunkamba

Text by: RFI Follow

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Prime Minister Sylvestre Ilunga Ilunkamba expresses his anger, the day after the brief arrest of his Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Justice, Célestin Tunda Ya Kasende. On Saturday, the minister was arrested and interviewed for several hours at the public prosecutor's office on the basis of an arrest warrant issued by the president of the Court of Cassation who allegedly accused him of "forgery in writing and use of forgery".

Publicity

Célestin Tunda Ya Kasende, a leading figure in the country, was arrested the day after a revelation on his correspondence dated June 18 and by which he transmitted to the office of the National Assembly, without the opinion of President Félix Tshisekedi or of the government , comments favorable to controversial legislative proposals on judicial reform.

The head of the Congolese government, in a statement read this Sunday morning by his spokesman, denounced an arrest "  brutal and arbitrary  ". He mentions in this declaration a “  humiliation  ”, in “  violation of the elementary rules of the rule of law  ”.

Humiliation, violation of immunities or of the secrecy of deliberations, the Prime Minister's declaration shows unprecedented indignation. The head of government warns that this type of arrest "  could result in the resignation  " of a government.

Like the caciques of his party, the PPRD, he recalled that no member of the government could be prosecuted for opinions expressed during the deliberations of the Council of Ministers.

In the process, he also indicates that the deliberations of the Council of Ministers are secret and affirms that the arrest of Célestin Tunda is not based on offense.

To its leader, President Félix Tshisekedi, he asked to ensure respect for the immunities enjoyed by members of the government.

The Prime Minister also does not hide his anger against the public prosecutor's office at the Court of Cassation. He claims a “  disciplinary action  ” against the magistrates who proceeded to the arbitrary arrest of Célestin Tunda.

Sylvestre Ilunkamba also questions the police and security services, declaring that their actions must be based "  on strict compliance with the Constitution and the laws of the Republic  ".

Statements that cash the presidential party, the UDPS, which reserves itself for any comment, for the moment. But in the early afternoon, one of President Tshisekedi's close advisers fumed this Sunday against this statement by the head of government, which "  is like injunctions  " to the head of state.

Read also: DRC: Minister of Justice arrested, then released

Newsletter Receive all international news directly in your mailbox

Follow all international news by downloading the RFI application

• Ground floor