KINSHASA – Democratic Republic of Congo’s top police officer has been suspended to facilitate an inquiry into the death of a prominent human rights activist, officials said yesterday.
The death of Floribert Chebeya, head of local campaign group Voice of the Voiceless whose body was found last week, prompted concern from the United Nations and major donors such as Britain, France and the US.
“ John Numbi was suspended so that the attorney general can focus on his enquiries smoothly and make sure nothing gets in the way of the investigations,” said Daniel Lubo, an adviser at the Interior Ministry.
Mr Lubo said a police colonel named as Daniel Mukalay and a member of the police special services had been arrested in relation to the killing, but not charged.
The suspension of Gen Numbi was decided at a Saturday meeting of Congo’s Supreme Defence Council, which includes President Joseph Kabila and his prime minister and army chief.
Mr Chebeya was believed to be heading to a meeting with Gen Numbi last Tuesday before he went missing. Gen Numbi, formerly an army commander and later head of the air forces, has been one of Mr Kabila’s top military advisers.
The incident has raised concerns from UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon. Campaigners have long criticised the country’s record on human rights. Mr Chebeya, who campaigned to uphold the constitution and improve prison conditions, had been harassed by authorities in the past. A report this year by Amnesty International said he was at risk. – (Reuters)