Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): The whereabouts and situation of Eric Lenge; the treatment of his family by the government (2004-2008)
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa |
| Publication Date | 4 December 2008 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | COD103024.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): The whereabouts and situation of Eric Lenge; the treatment of his family by the government (2004-2008), 4 December 2008, COD103024.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/49b92b50c.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to media reports, Eric Lenge was the leader of a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on 11 June 2008 (AP 13 June 2004; The Independent 12 June 2004).
In 30 November 2008 correspondence, the Director General of the Kinshasa-based newspaper The Phare stated that Eric Lenge has been reported missing since the unsuccessful coup and that information concerning his situation is contradictory as some sources report that he is dead while others contend that he lives outside the DRC.
In 27 November 2008 correspondence, the Secretary General of the Centre for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (Centre des droits de l'homme et du droit humanitaire, CDHRDC) in Lubumbashi stated that Eric Lenge and his family live outside the DRC. In 1 December 2008 correspondence, the Director of the Kinshasa-based organization Journalists for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (Journalistes pour la promotion et la défense des droits de l'homme, JPDH), providing information that reflects the views of the JPDH, stated that according to reliable sources, Eric Lenge is living in another country. The Director added that following the failed coup some people close to Eric Lenge, as well as some persons who had relationships with those close to Eric Lenge, claimed that they were being intimidated and were ready to leave the DRC in order to avoid possible government reprisals (JPDH 1 Dec. 2008).
An article by the JPDH states that after the failed 2004 coup, some members of Eric Lenge's family and those close to him were detained in a cell of the National Intelligence Agency (Agence nationale de renseignements, ANR) and then transferred to the Kasapa prison in Lubumbashi (JPDH 9 Feb. 2007). They were reportedly among some 172 detainees who managed to escape from the Kasapa prison during the night of 29-30 July 2004 (ibid.). A [translation] "veritable manhunt" throughout the DRC and in some neighbouring countries took place in order to find the escapees (ibid.).
Further information on the whereabouts and situation of Eric Lenge and on the treatment of his family could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
Associated Press (AP). 13 June 2004. Daniel Balint-Kurti. "Congo Says Troops Are Hunting Leader of Coup Attempt."
Centre des droits de l'homme et du droit humanitaire (CDHRDC), Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 27 November 2008. Correspondence from the Secretary General.
The Independent [London]. 12 June 2004. Declan Walsh. "Congolese President Survives Coup Attempt While Army Chases Ringleader out of Town."
Journalistes pour la promotion et la défense des droits de l'homme (JPDH), Kinshasa. 1 December 2008. Correspondence from the Director.
_____. 9 February 2007. Kevy Kyoto. "Les droits de l'homme au Congo Kinshasa : une question de chaque jour."
Le Phare [Kinshasa]. 30 November 2008. Correspondence from the Director General.
Additional Sources Consulted
Internet sources, including: Amnesty International (AI), British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Digitalcongo, European Country of Origin Information Network (ECOI.net), Human Rights Watch (HRW), International Crisis Group, Radio France internationale (RFI), ReliefWeb, United Nations (UN) Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN), United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping.