Congo's opposition leader seeks presidential pardon for General Mokoko

Congo’s opposition leader Guy Brice Parfait Kolelas has sought a presidential pardon in favor of General Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko, who has been in custody since mid-June, after his indictment for “ endangering the internal security of the state “.

In a briefing held on Friday, Mr Kolelas said General Mokoko does not belong in prison and urged President Dennis Sassou Nguesso to release him before Congo holds its independence day celebrations which will take place on August 15th.

“General Mokoko does not belong in prison. I hope August 15 (the date marking the celebration of the independence of Congo), a presidential pardon will be granted,” said Mr. Kolelas in a press conference in Brazzaville.

“The charges against him are very old because he had long been appointed to the high office by President Denis Sassou Nguesso,” he added.

“I regret what is happening. It is dehumanizing. The president should get high and gather” the Congolese, said Mr Kolélas who came in second during the March 20th presidential elections.

General Mokoko was indicted on June 16th for “undermining the internal security of the state” and for “illegal possession of weapons and ammunition.”

He previously served as a peace and security adviser of President Nguesso before he quit to vie for the presidential elections where he emerged third after collecting slightly less than 14 per cent of the votes.

Five opposition candidates, including general Mokoko disputed the results which showed President Nguesso had won with over 60% of the votes.