Gunfire in DR Congo capital as Kabila’s mandate expires
KINSHASA: Gunfire erupted in several parts of Kinshasa yesterday as Congo's longserving President Joseph Kabila appeared set to stay on despite the expiry of his mandate and announced a new government.
Shots rang out in several parts of the sprawling city of 10 million, especially in two northern quarters after whistles — an opposition sign of protest — were heard in several areas.
Demonstrators blew whistles and beat on improvised drums, their gesture for a red card, asking the 45-year-old who has led the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2001 to quit the top job.
Kabila's second term officially expires yesterday.
State television overnight announced the formation of a new government following an agreement between Kabila's administration and a fringe opposition group.
The new cabinet will be led by Sami Badibanga, a defector from the party of the mainstream opposition party led by 84-yearold Etienne Tshisekedi.
A muffled explosion was also heard in the posh quarter of Gombe, where the presidential palace is located. Residents said tear gas shells were fired in other areas but it was unclear who was behind the shooting.
Talks on a peaceful transition are in limbo, sparking fears of fresh violence in the unstable mineral-rich nation. Kinshasa was a shadow of itself Monday with barely any traffic on the main roads, public transport at a minimum, and soldiers and police outnumbering passers-by. — AFP