DRC: Human Rights Watch demands release of youth activists

Human Rights Watch on Tuesday asked DR Congo authorities to immediately free two civil society activists arrested a year ago during a pro-democracy workshop.

The group said the arrest of Fred Bauma and Yves Makwambala on March 15 last year was part of a growing government crackdown on those speaking out against President Joseph Kabila’s bid to extend his stay in power beyond a constitutional two-term limit, ending December 19.

“The authorities should immediately drop the baseless charges and release Bauma, Makwambala, and other activists and politicians held solely for peacefully expressing their political views,” a statement said.

The pair were arrested along with at least two dozen other people including Senegalese and Burkinabe activists and an American diplomat during a workshop on good governance in Africa.