In a statement released to the press on Sunday and following the murder of Daniel Botethi, vice-chairman of the Provincial Assembly of Kinshasa and high-ranking official of the MLC, the party has decided to suspend its participation in the National Assembly, Senate and the Provincial Assembly of Kinshasa. This decision will remain in force until the MLC obtains answers to all its demands about the climate of insecurity affecting its members. It is important to note that according to the head of the National Police, two of the suspected murderers of Daniel Botethi were apprehended and will soon be brought to justice.
Statement by the MLC
I. The Political Bureau of the Movement for the Liberation of Congo held today a meeting with one item on the agenda, namely the despicable assassination of the Honourable Daniel BOTETHI, provincial Member of Parliament from the MLC and vice-chairman of the Provincial Assembly of the city province of Kinshasa.
II. Considering that, since August 2006 and through March 2007, the National President of the MLC and other party executives have been the target of attacks by armed elements;
III. Considering that the district of Macampagne close to the Palais de Marbre and the Okapi Hotel has become a hideout for armed elements terrorizing peaceful civilians;
IV. Considering that the assassination of the Honourable Daniel Botethi in the same area was preceded by attacks such as those against Honourable Matadi Nenga and Adolphe Onusumba, from the Opposition;
V. Considering that all these acts of aggression are proof of the government's inability to ensure the safety of persons and their property throughout the national territory in general and in the city province of Kinshasa in particular
VI. Considering that there has never been any serious investigations leading to the arrest, trial and conviction of the perpetrators of these heinous acts;
VII. Considering that the repetition of such attacks in the same area controlled by elements of the Republican Guard reflects the obvious failures in the supervision of these elements by their superiors;
VIII. Considering that it is imperative for the consolidation of democracy and the advent of a state of law that members of the Opposition be able to work in a climate where security is assured for all
IX. For all these reasons the MLC,
1. Demands:
-- The arrest of the perpetrators of this crime and their public trial so that appropriate sanctions can be applied.
-- The relocation without delay of elements of the Republican Guard located around the Palais de Marbre and the Okapi Hotel.
-- Exemplary sanctions be applied to those falling their duties in the chain of command of the Republican Guard.
2. Pending answers to all its requests, the MLC has decided to suspend from this date its participation in the work of the National Assembly, Senate and the Provincial Assembly of the city province of Kinshasa.
With God we shall overcome, Done in Kinshasa, July 6, 2008
Francois Muamba / Secretary-General
Translated by CongoPlanet.com | Original article in French