A Congolese journalist living in exile has been brutally attacked outside his home in Belgium, with his family and lawyer accusing the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of orchestrating the assault.
Claude Pero Luwara, who has been residing in Tienen, Flemish Brabant, since 2022, was ambushed by a group of masked assailants on the evening of August 27.
“I received a violent blow to the face, I fell, and several people attacked me with bladed weapons,” he told TV5MONDE, his face still bearing visible bandages.
Quick intervention from his neighbours and his own martial arts reflexes allowed him to escape.
Belgian authorities have launched an investigation, already detaining one suspect, but the case remains in its early stages. Luwara is now under increased police protection as inquiries continue.
The journalist fled the DRC following repeated threats and was accused earlier this year by former Justice Minister Constant Mutamba of colluding with the AFC/M23 rebel group. Mutamba had even promised a $4 million reward for his capture.
For his lawyer, Hervé Diakiese, the link is undeniable: “The Congolese authorities had placed a target on my client’s head. Today, we are seeing the consequences. It is a flagrant violation of Belgian sovereignty.”
Luwara has openly accused President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration of masterminding the assault.
“This is not an estimate, it’s clear that it was the Kinshasa regime that organized this attack,” he said, urging the international community to end what he described as complacency toward the DRC government.
The incident has sparked fears among other exiled Congolese journalists, who report receiving frequent threats online and abroad. Analysts warn the attack could deepen tensions between Brussels and Kinshasa, while raising wider concerns over Europe’s ability to protect journalists fleeing repression.
“I’m fine, I’m alive, that’s the most important thing,” Luwara said. But for his supporters, the attack signals a dangerous escalation: Congolese political repression may now be extending into Europe.
About The Author
