Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium – April 24, 2026 — Prominent Congolese journalist and critic Claude Pero Luwara (@peroluwara1) was violently assaulted Friday evening as he left his classes at the university in Louvain-la-Neuve.
According to eyewitness accounts and information circulating on social media, three hooded men armed with electric batons (matraques électriques) attacked the journalist on the parking lot near his vehicle. He was subsequently transported to Saint-Pierre Hospital in Ottignies for medical treatment.
Link to Recent Court Victory
The assault comes just one day after Pero Luwara reportedly received a death threat via audio message from individuals close to Didier Budimbu, the current DRC Minister of Sports. Budimbu had lost a defamation lawsuit against the journalist in Belgian court earlier this week. The tribunal in Nivelles acquitted Luwara of all charges and ordered Budimbu to pay damages and cover legal costs.
Didier Budimbu was reportedly in Belgium on Thursday, where he is said to have given instructions before boarding a Brussels Airlines flight.
Pattern of Attacks
This is not the first time Pero Luwara has been targeted in Belgium. He was previously assaulted outside his home in Tienen in August 2025. The repeated incidents have raised serious concerns among Congolese diaspora communities and press freedom advocates about the safety of exiled journalists in Europe.
As of Friday evening, the journalist was at the Louvain-la-Neuve police station giving a statement. Belgian authorities have launched an investigation.
Reactions
The attack has sparked outrage on social media, with many users linking it directly to political retaliation following Luwara’s legal victory. Others call for stronger protection measures for Congolese journalists living in exile in Belgium and across Europe.
This incident highlights the growing tensions between the Congolese government and critical voices in the diaspora, even on European soil where freedom of expression is constitutionally protected.
We will continue to follow this story closely and provide updates as more details emerge from the police investigation.
Ken
