1 killed as DR Congo police fire on protestors
KINSHASA:
One person was killed and at least four injured as police disperse banned protests calling on Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila to stand down.
The church-backed protests in DR Congo come after months of tension sparked by Kabila’s prolonged rule and long-delayed elections in the vast and chronically unstable country.
man was killed and two people seriously injured as police opened
“Since 7 am we have received three injured people from the Catholic march. Two were seriously injured and one died from - tor at the Saint Joseph de Limete hospital in central Kinshasa.
An Agence France-Presse journalist in the northeastern city of Kisangani said at least two people suffered bullet injuries as police
Hundreds began marching after mass at Kisangani cathedral but were dispersed by security forces
The demonstrators fled back into the cathedral singing the - golais” [Arise Congolese].
Three priests were arrested as they led a march in the Saint Pierre de Wagenia district in the east of
The nationwide protests were called by the Lay Coordination social and spiritual movement. But authorities banned the demonstrations.
Kabila was due to stand down - has controversially stayed on under laws enabling him to retain power until his successor is elected.
In January he accused the church of interfering in Congolese politics.
Previous protests on New Year’s according to tolls given by organisers and the United Nations. The government said just two people died in the unrest. ‘Zero casualties’ tear gas to break up protesters who began marching after leaving morning mass in several districts.
Internet access was also cut in the capital.
Kinshasa police chief General Sylvano Kasongo said on Saturday he was under orders to “take measures to ensure the security anyone who attempts to disturb public order.”
But he added: “The goal have zero casualties.”
Hundreds of ruling party supporters had stormed Kinshasa cathedral on Saturday.
“We have come to take possession of Our Lady of the Congo Cathedral to take part in Sunday the People’s Party for Reconstruc
Switzerland and Canada issued a joint statement underscoring the “importance of respecting fundamental rights including the right to demonstrate.”
Political tensions in DR Congo have been mounting since Septem youths and security forces left dozens of people dead in Kinshasa.
Fears have multiplied that the from 1996- 97 and from 1998 once more.
The latest timetable to hold elec two years later than scheduled.
But Kabila has refused to state clearly whether he intends to stand again. is to