[justify]It not news for many to hear that freedom of expression is inexistent in the Democratic Republic of Congo. One doesn't have to wonder where those opposed to certain issues talk from. It's definitely in the Diaspora.
Because of the lack of proper means of communication and a free media platform, Congolese in the DRC are unable to express their opinions for fear of reprisals. Those who dare to do so, mainly live outside the country. Some have created blogs, websites, online radio and stations etc…
These citizens know very well that by doing so it's like acquiring a persona non grata status in the DRC.
Many who dared to travel back home on family visits saw their passports withdrawn and charged on some fabricated accounts. Many are rotting in prisons and immigrations cells.
Some lucky ones have been returned at their entry point without much explanation. Hapamedia has just talked to one Joseph Kabemba who had been returned at the Ndjili International Airport for allegedly being also a French citizen.
Though the Congolese nationality is one and exclusive, it's important to remind the opinion that half the number of President Kabila allies are citizens of more than a the D.R. Congo.
The last move by the Congolese government to get hold of their critics in the Diaspora came with the introduction of the much awaited biometric passports. Its foreign affairs ministry had asked all the diplomatic missions not issue passports because they would be available only in the capital Kinshasa .
This move has been accentuated this month with the government banning all non biometric passports. This decision hasn't yet been made public but Hapamedia's contacts in the corridors of power confirmed the move and added that the banning might never be made public.
Critics of the Congolese government already marked in Kinshasa might never acquire a Congolese passport until they renounce to their activities.
Hapamedia has confirmed that Congolese in Kenya , Uganda , France , Belgium , Norway and Germany haven't been informed of the move by their respective diplomatic missions.
http://www.hapamedia.net/nscdpassport.php[/justify]
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