The Federal Republic of Congo, Africa and the civilized world have lost a great Human and Civil Rights Activist Floribert Chebeya whom was found death in his car at the peripheral of Kinshasa, the capital of Congo with his driver missing. The death came as a surprise as Congo is moving forward with democratic and economic reforms. Although Congo has been bedeviled with instability for a long time, but with emergence of the young President Joseph Kabila together with nascent democratic dispensation, the troubled nation was ready to do good for her inhabitants. President Kabila is one of the new breed of African leader widely acknowledged as reformed and a descent African leader. President Kabila is a man that respects human rights and rule of law, his military background unlike some African leaders has not been an impediment to the development of democracy in his country.
The late Floribert Chebye was the head of the Voix des Sans-Voix (Voice of the Voiceless) (VSV) human right organization. He was a fearless defender of the human rights of the down trodden. He spoke out on the injustices in his country without fear of favor. He became a shining light in a midst of darkness. For an enduring democracy to take a root in Congo, Floribert Chebye understood the power of freedom as antidote to suppression and injustice. In the liberation of the people, he endeavored to build the foundation of freedom, liberty and equality for which he will be remembered.
Afripol Organization therefore has joined the rest of human rights organizations asking for a detailed and comprehensive investigation on the murder of this great human right activist. The investigation must not leave any stone unturned but a transparent and thorough investigation that will do justice to this sudden loss of this great soul.
Vincent Ogboi, Senior Fellow, economic and financial analyst on African affairs at Afripol organization, stressed the importance of an investigation: “The Republic of Congo under the progressive leadership of President Kabila must seize this opportunity to complete a thorough and unbiased investigation, and bring the culprits responsible for this callous and inhumane act to justice in a swift manner. Justice must not be seen as delayed or polluted as this opens a critical window for Congo to redeem herself and not bring economic disaster to this nation that now seem to be on the path to political and economic reform for her long suffering citizens.”
Emeka Chiakwelu, Principal Policy Strategist at Afripol extended his condolence to the government and people of Congo: “This is a difficult time for Congo and Floibert Chebye is a symbol of freedom and justice whom have made his mark in emerging democratic dispensation in his country of birth. There must be a closure with a transparent investigation for realization of justice. The eye of the world is on Congo and now justice must be done not delayed.”
It is intrinsic that President Kabila and his government to initiate and carry out an independent investigation on the death of Floribert Chebeya. Afripol is appealing to African Union, United States of America, European Union, Human rights organizations and lovers of freedom everywhere to see that justice is done in Congo.
Africa Political and Economic Strategic Center (Afripol) is foremost a public policy center whose fundamental objective is to broaden the parameters of public policy debates in Africa. To advocate, promote and encourage free enterprise, democracy, sustainable green environment, human rights, conflict resolutions, transparency and probity in Africa. info@afripol.org www.afripol.org