The judicial trial of Mr. Ghislain Ondele Kanga, a prominent human rights defender and president of the Congo Right and Justice for All platform (CDJT), began on August 27, 2026, at the Brazzaville Judicial Tribunal. The proceedings mark a critical juncture in a case that international observers characterize as retaliatory harassment targeting legitimate civic activism.
Arbitrary Detention and Legal Violations
Mr. Ondele Kanga was initially arrested by plainclothes police officers at his home on May 30, 2026. He was transported to the Central Intelligence and Documentation Agency (CID) in Brazzaville. In a significant breach of Congolese legislation, he was not brought before a prosecutor until 56 days later. Following this delayed appearance, he was transferred to the Brazzaville Prison, where he remains in pre-trial detention.
The charges against him include the dissemination of false information and declaring an unauthorized demonstration. These accusations are based on Ordinance No. 62-3 of July 21, 1962, and Law No. 19/60 governing associations. The first hearing took place on July 30, 2026, leading to the current substantive examination of the case.
Campaign Context and Retaliation
The legal action follows Mr. Ondele Kanga’s active participation in a CDJT campaign denouncing the difficulties citizens face in obtaining passports. The platform had announced a press conference scheduled for May 29, 2026, titled “Revelations on the causes of the passport problem in Congo: results of investigations and concrete solutions.” Prior to his arrest, Mr. Ondele Kanga received multiple phone calls from CID agents inviting him to discuss his social media activities regarding this issue.
The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a partnership between the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT), asserts that the deprivation of liberty resulted directly from the exercise of legitimate rights. This view aligns with the Congolese Observatory for Human Rights (OCDH), which publicly condemned the detention in a position note dated June 18, 2026, highlighting passport issuance as a major governance issue.
International Concerns and Demands
Observers argue that the prosecution violates Articles 19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and Articles 9, 11, 25, and 27 of the Congolese Constitution. Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding Mr. Ondele Kanga’s health and physical integrity while in custody.
On August 25, 2026, his legal counsel communicated with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. The Observatory warns that such instrumentalization of judicial processes aims to deter other civil society actors from expressing views on matters of general interest, thereby shrinking the civic space in the Republic of Congo. Authorities are urged to immediately and unconditionally release Mr. Ondele Kanga, drop all charges, and ensure the upcoming trial respects fair trial guarantees under both domestic law and international instruments ratified by Congo.
This report was produced by the HuMedia newsroom.
