On January 19, Congolese police in Kinshasa violently dispersed protesters opposed to the revision of the electoral law that would allow Joseph Kabila to remain in power. 35 protesters, most of them students, and 1 policeman were killed. The city of Goma was also affected by clashes that saw the arrest of many among the thousands of protesters. Kabila seeks to indirectly extend
his term, which is coming to an end next year, by organizing a census that would take 3 years to complete. Kabila is barred by the constitution from seeking a third term, however his term would be automatically prolonged until the census is completed. Shortly after the protests, mobile internet and texting were shut down briefly as well as most schools in the city. Some dormitories were set ablaze during the clashes.
his term, which is coming to an end next year, by organizing a census that would take 3 years to complete. Kabila is barred by the constitution from seeking a third term, however his term would be automatically prolonged until the census is completed. Shortly after the protests, mobile internet and texting were shut down briefly as well as most schools in the city. Some dormitories were set ablaze during the clashes.
The Kabila administration argues that a census is necessary prior to issuing the electoral lists for the presidential and parliamentary elections of 2016. The very influential Catholic Church has backed the opposition request to forego any revision to the planned electoral calendar. The proposed revision is currently under review at the Senate.
The following citizen video taken by Kininfos on January 19 depicts a chaotic scene in the capital city as protesters try to block the streets.
No comments:
Post a Comment