Democratic Republic of the Congo: Opposition leader Prince Epenge detained

Prince Epenge, president of ADD-Congo and a prominent member of the Lamuka coalition, has been detained in Kinshasa. Epenge was reportedly intercepted by unidentified individuals at N'djili airport while attempting to travel to Rome for a Coalition Article 64 meeting. He was subsequently held for 48 hours by the National Cybercrime Council before being brought before the Kinshasa/Gombe High Court.

Prosecutors have accused Epenge of spreading false information regarding the death of a supporter, Manasse Lomboto. Epenge had previously attributed Lomboto's death to violence occurring during a demonstration on September 15, 2026.

Political opponent Martin Fayulu has condemned the detention, calling for an impartial judicial process and warning against a “two-speed justice” system. Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch has reported on increasing political tensions in Kinshasa, citing geolocated footage of attacks on opposition headquarters, including ADD-Congo, allegedly carried out by members of the Force du Progrès, a movement linked to the ruling power.