Civil society in the Democratic Republic of Congo is accusing Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications, Jean Pierre Bemba Gombo, of inciting division and hatred between Congolese people who speak Lingala and those who speak Swahili.
Around April 1, 2025, a team of experts from non-governmental organizations, led by Dieudonne Mushagalusa, filed a complaint with the public prosecutor at the Court of First Instance, urging an investigation into what they describe as hate speech propagated by Jean Pierre Bemba. They claim that he has been spreading divisive rhetoric through meetings aimed at encouraging youth to join the military.
The coordinator of these civil society organizations stated that Jean Pierre Bemba’s remarks pose a significant threat to national unity and peaceful coexistence.
He said: “We have monitored statements that could be perceived as inciting conflict between the Bangala people and others. Jean Pierre Bemba assumes an authority that is not his by granting Congolese nationality, particularly to Rwandans of his choice, while revoking the Congolese nationality of those he deems unfit or those he considers eligible for denationalization.”
The leader of the non-governmental organizations further emphasized that speeches promoting division, hatred, and xenophobia are not only condemned by the country’s constitution but also contradict the principles of peaceful coexistence upheld by the United Nations.
Following these accusations, the office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications has promised to respond soon. However, as of now, no official statement has been made.
