Belgium asked to help investigate murder of Congolese MP

Belgian Justice minister Vincent Van Quickenborne confirmed on Monday that he had been asked by the Congolese government to assist in the investigation into the murder of opposition MP Chérubin Okende Senga, who was found dead in Kinshasa on 13 July.

Senga, 61, an MP for opposition party Ensemble pour la République and a former transport minister, was found dead in his jeep this month. His body was riddled with bullets.

"Our assistance has been promised. Exactly what this assistance will entail still needs to be discussed"

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has formally asked Belgium, France, South Africa and the UN mission in the DRC for their expertise in investigating the murder. Van Quickenborne has confirmed that he received the request from his DRC counterpart, Rose Mutombo Kiese.

"Our assistance has been promised, and this has been communicated to the Congolese government. Exactly what this assistance will entail still needs to be discussed," Van Quickenborne's cabinet told Belga. "In this way, Belgium is joining the efforts of the international community."

(BRV)

^{Belgian Justice minister Vincent Van Quickenborne © BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT}