Ota Benga Alliance For Peace, Healing and Dignity

For Immediate Release: May 5, 2008

Berkeley, Ca.—Within the context of an elusive peace in the eastern part of the D R Congo and an ongoing assault by the government against the fundamental rights of the people of the Lower Congo Region, it has come to our attention that Professor Ernest Wamba dia Wamba and the Honorable Deputy Kiakwama have been targeted for assassination. We do know that both individuals have been active in defending the rights of the people of the Lower Congo to express themselves freely. They, like many other Congolese from other regions of the country, have condemned the wanton violence of government police forces against members of the Bundu dia Kongo, a movement for the cultural and spiritual emancipation of the Congo people. They have condemned the manner in which, since February 2008, brutal repression led to the death of innocent people, including infants and older people. BdK is working to find a way for all sides to come together, so that a healing process can be initiated.

If the information regarding the threats against the lives of Professor Wamba dia Wamba and Deputy Kiakwama is correct, we call on all those in the government who are directly and indirectly responsible for the maintenance of safety and peace for all Congolese citizens to do everything in their power to prevent the execution of such a plan.

Should the above threat against the lives of Prof Ernest Wamba dia Wamba and Honorable Kiakwama actually take place, we shall hold the government of the DRC responsible and accountable, and do all that is necessary to ensure that the institutions and/or individuals are brought to justice.

Ota Benga Alliance for Peace, Healing and Dignity
Berkeley, 5 May 2008