Urgent Action on behalf of Bishop Jose Rashid detained in Kinshasa on orders from the Minister of Social Affairs

Urgent appeal on behalf of Bishop Madam Jose Rashid and her transfer to Makala main prison in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo

Bishop Madam Jose Rashid, is one among active and vocal women activists based in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, she is the voice of voiceless and her main engagement is through social media mainly Tick-Tok where she attracts a big audience. Some day in April 2026 she published a video on Tick-Tok blaming the Minister of Social Affairs for her failure to address the unacceptable situation of thousands of Congolese refugees in Burundi, who continue to suffer in total absence of the DRC Government while millions of dollars are embezzled.

This Tick-Tok appeal did not go very well in the eyes of Minister Eve Bazaiba who waited for an opportunity in order to revenge against Jose. On Monday August 17^th 2026, Bishop Jose was called for a meeting with the Minister of Social Affaire her Excellency Madam Eve Bazaiba. Bishop Jose moved with her daughter who escorted her, but when she reached the office she was immediately arrested by unidentified people, humiliated and subjected to inhuman treatment. Later on in the afternoon, the Minister called for security officers who took her to Court. On Tuesday August 18^th, 2026 she was presented to Court but she was told to wait. She remained in Court Cell until Saturday August 22^nd when she was transferred to Makala main prison where she is reminded now.

Her lawyers deployed all the efforts to secure for her a Court Bond but in vain, and unfortunately the court did not give explanation why she could not be granted a bond.

We bring to your attention the urgent to protect human rights defenders and whistle blowers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We still have in our minds the fresh memories of Floribert Chebeya who was also assassinated in the same way while responding to an appointment from a Police Officer.

We call upon the mobilization of all actors to make pressure on the DRC Government to release Bishop Jose who was arbitrary arrested and currently detained without a fair trial.

We believe this is a clear message of threat and intimidations against Human Rights Defenders and vocal leaders who would like to show concerns on issues affecting Internally Displaced Persons and Refugees among others things under her department.