African Lawyers condemn brutal treatment against Advocate Faby Mushibi by DR Congo armed forces

The Pan African Lawyers Union has released an official statement condemning the recent abduction, torture and humiliation of a young legal professional in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“Having Discovered with Indignation a video showing unbearable images of physical abuse and acts of torture perpetrated by members of the security forces against Advocate Mushibi Kabwende Faby of the Lomami Bar in the DR Congo, PALU condemns the inhuman act which also goes contrary to democracy and the rule of law,” reads part of the Pan African Lawyers statement.

PALU also noted that the complaint lodged on 19 August 2024 by the Congolese Defense Association against Brigadier General Jean Claude Kifwa Kambili and others for kidnapping, illegal detention, torture, threats, assault and battery and various other offences.

The continental lawyers’ body has vehemently spoken against the despicable acts of torture, that according to the statement are unbearably cruel and which nothing can justify.

The lawyers also described the incident as a form of brutality from another era, which does not honor Africa.

The stamen called upon DR Congo authorities to respect its international commitments, in particular, the prohibition of torture and inhuman and degrading treatment.

They also demanded immediate prosecution of the perpetrators of this violence against lawyer Kabwende Faby, expressing solidarity with the victim and standing by all the lawyers of the Lomami Bar in defense of their rights.

A young Katangese leader Faby Kabwende was picked up, dragged to the ground, beaten, insulted and humiliated by Kasai soldiers of the Union of the Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) on August 17, 2024 in Kalemie.

Claims from people of Katanga accuse the Kasaïen general of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) who reportedly carried out the act in all arrogance to punish the Katangese.