We call upon the immediate release of Pro-Democracy Activist Jackson Sinzahera et Gloire Saasita arrested in Goma DRCongo
Alert of arbitrary arrest of Jackson Sinzahera a Pro-Democracy Activist member of Amka Congo , and Gloire Saasita also an Activist member of Generation Positive Pressure Groups in Goma, North Kivu, the Democratic Republic of Congo
Jackson Zinzahera being detained in Goma, DRC
On Thursday August 1st, 2024 Jackson Sinzahera and Gloire Saasita were arrested by Police Officers while animating a Press Conference focusing on the Commemoration of the GenoCost and the current Military Regime in North Kivu and Ituri which they believed it has failed and should be removed, they also launched a campaign calling upon the population to refrain from paying the Tax until the Government restores peace and security in North Kivu.
Jackson and Gloire are being held at the Police Department of Investigation called here P2, and up to now there is no clear explanations why they are arrested. Our interactions with Jackson and Gloire indicated that they are yet information why they are arrested, they have only been told to wait for the Governor who is the only one to decide on their fate.
Background information
North Kivu Province has been put under Military rule since April 2022 which imposed restrictions of certain human rights including the right of association, freedom of expression and freedom of movement. Generally the Military regime in North Kivu has been intolerant towards social people who criticize it and who believe it will be removed.
It is important with the current situation of war in North Kivu, the debate on the Military rule may not impact much and still in the process, the lifting of the military regime may not influence anything currently and may not benefit anyone apart some politicians, but still Jackson and Gloire have their right to criticize it and call upon the lifting.
Because North Kivu is facing a humanitarian crisis it is one among the popular demands to advocate to the Government to declare North Kivu a disaster province.
Our appeal
We call upon the Military Authorities to release Jackson and Gloire immediately and without conditions because they were arrested arbitrary,
We call upon the solidarity of human rights defenders to advocate for the release of Jackson and Gloire,
