(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is very worried about death threats received by its partner organisation in Kinshasa, Journalist in Danger (JED), and has called on President Joseph Kabila to take appropriate measures to protect the group. “JED is playing a crucial role in this pre-election period and should receive the president’s personal protection,” RSF said. “This […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is very worried about death threats received by its partner organisation in Kinshasa, Journalist in Danger (JED), and has called on President Joseph Kabila to take appropriate measures to protect the group.
“JED is playing a crucial role in this pre-election period and should receive the president’s personal protection,” RSF said. “This is not the first time that our partner organisation has been the target of threats. The authorities should finally take the threats seriously, and should identify and punish those responsible. If anything whatsoever happens to JED’s leaders, especially its president, Donat M’Baya Tshimanga, we will hold the authorities directly responsible,” the organisation added.
On 4 April 2005, JED representatives found an e-mail message in the organisation’s inbox that was addressed to its secretary-general, Tshivis Tshivuadi, and was signed by “Commander Mbonge Munene” (“Violent Wind”). It was sent from the address lapatrievaincra@yahoo.fr, the first part of which means “The Fatherland Will Overcome”.
A verbatim translation of the message follows:
“Mr. Tshivis,
Since you and your friend Mbaya continue to betray the nation with your campaigns of lies against the DRC and its worthy sons, “The Fatherland Will Overcome” informs you that the hour of repentance is nigh and you will pay with your blood because you are the accomplices of those who have caused more than 4 million deaths in this country.
When the troubles being prepared by you and your god leaders begin, if you are in the mountains, stay there because your throats will be cut and the ants of the earth you have betrayed will drink your blood full of treachery in the name of the king dollar. Your names, all of you in J.E.D., are on the blacklist. You are a danger for this country.
Your children and your grandchildren will pay for all the harm you have caused the nation.
We have been watching you for a long time in the hope that you were going to change, but no, you continue to betray the Fatherland camp. Be immediately warned that the Fatherland you are selling out will sooner or later overcome and the traitors will deserve nothing but death and the rotting of their bodies.
We will see how RFI, the Americans and your friend Menard are going to save you. We are aware of the secret meetings you are holding in the city, but your plan is bound to fail, because you are already dead.
You have been warned.
Death to traitors and victory to the Fatherland.
The General Command
Mbonge Munene
Commander”
