DRC: NGOs call for rejection of draft law on nationality of presidents

The National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Kinshasa, February 2, 2023. © Alexis Huguet / AFP

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1 min

While this bill reserving the functions of President of the Republic to Congolese born to Congolese father and mother was rejected two years ago, the Tshiani bill on "Congolity" is due to be debated soon. But several human rights organizations are calling on MPs to reject a project deemed dangerous for the country.

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With our correspondent in Kinshasa, Kamanda Wa Kamanda Muzembe

For the Human Rights Research Institute, the Tshiani law is simply "contrary to several constitutional provisions". "It goes against Article 12 of the constitution," explains Hubert Tshiswaka, director of the organization. This article enshrines the equality of all Congolese before the law with equal protection, excluding any discrimination. »

If Tshiani hadn't blocked me, I was going to tell him that: (i) A law cannot have the purpose of diminishing constitutionally guaranteed rights. And, it is strictly forbidden to revise the Constitution, to reduce human rights. (ii) A law enshrining... pic.twitter.com/6wgBV9JQxM

— Me TSHISWAKA MASOKA Hubert (@tshiswaka5) March 26, 2023

The Congolese Association for Access to Justice (Acaj) "seriously fears" that this draft reform of the electoral law "will call into question the fragile national unity". With, at the key, "frustrations and violence that the DRC does not need", warns this association.

As for the NGO Humanisme et droits humains, it invites MPs to focus on urgent issues: national cohesion, restoration of peace in the east of the country and organization of credible elections - the presidential election is scheduled for December. "This bill is simply discriminatory," the NGO said.

#RDC🇨🇩: The IRDH of @tshiswaka5 recommends that @AssembleeN_RDC vote a "motion of prior rejection, in order to recognize that the said law (Tshiani) is contrary to several constitutional provisions that lead to its rejection. there is no need to deliberate on its merits". pic.twitter.com/d0ZEZCq94I

— Pascal Mulegwa (@pascal_mulegwa) March 25, 2023

► Read also DRC: the controversy over the nationality of Moïse Katumbi revived by a bill

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