Group calls for release of Congo's political prisoners

A coalition of political parties in the Republic of Congo, the coordination Frocad, has called for the release of political prisoners, before June 10 reconciliation date.

In order to avoid conflict in the country, the opposition had called for an inclusive dialogue to address in a responsible way, the conduct of the March 20, 2016 elections.

In a press conference held in Brazzaville, the group said they are unhappy with the fact that Jean Marie Mokoko and André Okombi Salissa have been under house arrest since April 4.

They complained that General Mokoko and Salissa’s houses have been surrounded by uniform men since April, adding that the two men are part of the 29 political prisoners who are currently behind bars in Congo.

Mokoko who was a former security chief under president Sassou Nguesso had called for popular uprising following the declaration of Sassou as president.

Congo opposition candidate General Mokoko calling for a popular uprising https://t.co/ZvplVg0T3G pic.twitter.com/aECbdnl7nq

— africanews (@africanews) March 24, 2016

According to a representative of the group, Charles Zachari Bowao, opposition would win and the Congolese people and the international community would be aware of the victory.

“This kind of story is inexplicable. It is not in the context of the law. It could have been fine, if they scolded them or anything else, or engage them in judicial procedures and allow (them) to defend themselves. They are human beings, but to place them in a state of arrest… words can even describe it.”

President Denis Sassou N’Guesso was declared winner of the last presidential elections by the Constitutional Court.

#BREAKING Congo: Constitutional Court validates reelection of Denis Sassou Nguesso at March 20 polls pic.twitter.com/CHfllNE0VV

— africanews (@africanews) April 4, 2016

A victory that former rivals and the opposition group in the country have refused to recognize.