A prosecutor orders to investigate on threatening comments posted on social media

Kinshasa, October 21^st, 2026 (CPA).- The Attorney General at the Court of Cassation has been instructed by the Minister in charge of Justice of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to open a judicial investigation following the circulation of a video containing threats against Western nationals in the country, according to a statement consulted on Wednesday by CPA. “The Minister of State, Minister in charge of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Guillaume Ngefa, informs the public that he has instructed the Attorney General at the Court of Cassation to open a judicial investigation following the circulation on social media of a video attributed to Mr. Fils Mukoko, who is described as an activist of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS)”, it is read in the press release from the ministry’s Communications Unit. According to the same source, Minister of State Ngefa has indicated that, “Freedom of expression is guaranteed by the Constitution in DRC. However, it must not be used as a pretext for threatening, intimidating or endangering the lives of others. In a State governed by the rule of law, any allegation of this gravity must be investigated by the courts, in strict compliance with the law and the rights of every individual”. Furthermore, the press release has explained that the government has reaffirmed its determination to ensure the safety of people and property. “The Minister of State reaffirms the Government’s determination to ensure the safety of people and property, to preserve public order and to guarantee respect for the law, within the framework of the respective powers of the Republic’s institutions,” the source has also reported. The remarks reported in this video are said to include, in particular, an intention on his part to distribute weapons at football grounds, churches and universities, as well as threats targeting Western nationals present in DRC; adding that the seriousness of these allegations justifies the facts being examined diligently by the competent judicial authorities, the source has concluded.