The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) has been informed that Valery Madianga, coordinator of the Center for Research on Public Finance and Local Development (CREFDL) and member of the civil society network supported by the Observatory on Organized Crime and Violence in Central Africa was prevented from boarding a flight from Kinshasa to Lubumbashi while en route to an event on the oversight of local public finances in Haut-Katanga. According to a statement issued by CREFDL, the authorities also confiscated his passport.

GI-TOC underscores that civil society plays a vital role in combating organized crime. Under Valery Madianga’s leadership, CREFDL conducts rigorous, professional work monitoring public expenditure and fighting money laundering.

This work—crucial to promoting transparency and good governance—must be allowed to continue without interference.