The DRC needs freedom of expression not repression

Fred and Yves are like you and me: activists, committed to bring about change and advocate for rights for all.

A year ago, they attended a conference in the capital of their home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The event’s aim was to launch a platform called "Filimbi" that works towards encouraging young Congolese people to peacefully and responsibly exercise their civic rights.

Following a press conference, they took part in a workshop where pro-democracy activists from several African countries gathered to exchange experiences on the theme "Youth and Citizenship". But in the middle of the event Congolese security forces raided the building and arrested 27 participants. This all happened in spite of the meeting’s previous authorisation by the relevant state actors.

Although most of the detained activists have been released a week after their arrest, Fred Bauma and Yves Makwambala are still in prison after a year.

The young men are prisoners of conscience detained solely for the peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of expression, association and assembly.

It’s time to call on the authorities of the DRC to release the two activists immediately and unconditionally. The DRC needs #ExpressionNotRepression!

You can find more details about Fred and Yves and about how the DRC silences dissent here.

>>TAKE ACTION! Join us to call for an immediate and unconditional release of Fred and Yves so they can continue to conduct their activities freely. You can find more details here.

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