Anti-Tribalism and Xenophobia Bill Has Been Blocked in National Assembly for Six Years, Says Garry Sakata

Garry Sakata’s bill against tribalism and xenophobia, submitted on September 16, 2020, has yet to be debated in a plenary session despite appearing on the Assembly’s calendar since its filing. The lawmaker denounced the delay on November 3 during a live Space hosted by Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala, saying he did not know why the bill was stalled. He says tribal rhetoric is fueling intolerance and political division, and that the bill sets out institutional, preventive, and punitive measures addressing both tribalism and xenophobia. Sakata says the initiative received support from the UN Joint Human Rights Office and MONUSCO, and that consultations involved civil society representatives from several provinces.