DRC: Martin Fayulu freed after Sunday's arrest

Congolese opposition MP Martin Fayulu has been freed after hours of being detained.

Fayulu and one of the organisers of a planned demonstration were arrested on Sunday afternoon.

He maintains he does not know the reason for his arrest. Fayulu, leader of the Engagement for Citizenship and Development (ECIDE) party, was among the leaders of a planned general strike on Tuesday February 16 aimed at forcing President Kabila to step down.

Many believe his arrest is linked to the planned “ghost towns” operation.

“How can soldiers beat and arrest me in my office. They do not have the right to use my private number and access my emails. I have not killed anybody nor have I gone against the laws of the Republic,” he said.

“We just made a declaration at the level of the Citizen’s Front, The Dynamic group, G7 and the civil society. We called for ‘ghost towns’ on February 16. This was aired on radio and TV stations.They told me that I have tracts. They are not tracts. They are official documents to request the “ghost towns” and they are signed,” Fayulu told RFI.

Congolese authorities indicated he was grilled by a magistrate.

Joseph Olenga N’koy, President of the New Forces for Union and Solidarity has condemned the arrest.

The planned “ghost towns” action which was initially to honour Congolese who died on February 16, 1992 during a national sovereignty conference is now aimed at pressuring President Kabila to step down as he is suspected of trying to extend his term in office.