For the past month, the political climate in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been marked by a series of arrests targeting leading figures of the PPRD , the party of former president Joseph Kabila. Here is an update on the situation of those involved.

Aubin Minaku: Detained at the National Cyber Defense Council

After six days of uncertainty, news has emerged concerning Aubin Minaku , former president of the National Assembly.

1. Place of detention: He is reportedly being held in a villa under the control of the National Cyber Defence Council (CNC), a service attached to the presidency.
2. Limited access: Although his wife was able to visit him on Tuesday, January 20, his lawyers are still being denied access.
3. Vague motives: The official reasons for his arrest have not yet been communicated to him, although some PPRD officials suspect a link with the mobilizations of January 16 (commemoration of the assassination of LD Kabila).

The critical case of Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary

The situation seems more opaque for the former presidential candidate, who has been detained for more than a month by the same service (CNC).

1. Total isolation: Unlike Aubin Minaku, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary is deprived of all contact with his family and advisors.
2. Uncertainty: His wife, receiving no response to her official letters, continues to drop off food daily at the CNC headquarters without any guarantee that it will be passed on to her.

Other executives behind bars and gone into exile

The crackdown doesn't stop at the leading figures and also affects the party's operational base:

1. Dunia Kilanga Nyembo Christian: National Secretary and mobilizer of the PPRD, arrested in December.
2. Kamizelo's statement: Party spokesperson, also under arrest since last month.
3. Seth Kikuni: A member of the "Save the DRC" movement (close to the Nairobi alliance), he has chosen the path of exile , fearing for his immediate safety on national territory.

Note: This series of arrests within the same political camp is causing serious concern among the relatives of the detainees, who are denouncing opaque procedures and a lack of access to the right to a defense.