Congo pardons 24 critics to ease political tension

Congo’s government announced pardons for 24 jailed critics of President Joseph Kabila in a bid to ease tension ahead of a presidential election set for November. The opposition considers the detained politicians and democracy activists to be political prisoners and the apparent olive branch may blunt international criticism of the government over its human rights […]

Congo’s government announced pardons for 24 jailed critics of President Joseph Kabila in a bid to ease tension ahead of a presidential election set for November.
The opposition considers the detained politicians and democracy activists to be political prisoners and the apparent olive branch may blunt international criticism of the government over its human rights record.
“The government … has decided to take measures to ease tensions,” Justice Minister Alexis Thambwe Mwamba told a news conference, announcing the prisoners would be freed.
Opposition leader Joseph Olengankhoy said the government should also pardon Moise Katumbi, a top presidential candidate who in June was sentenced in absentia to three years in prison for real estate fraud.