Congo’s Kabila rejects idea excessive force was utilized
KINSHASA, Congo — In a rare press conference, Congo’s president rejected global condemnation of the violent treatment of Catholic church members and others protesting his prolonged stay in power, declaring Friday that “there is no political uncertainty.” President Joseph Kabila called the Central African country’s electoral process “firmly engaged” despite a vote that has been delayed for more than a year.
“Electoral law, registrations are almost complete,” he said. “Why then seek to derail the train leading to the elections? This is unacceptable.”
The United States has said it was “appalled” after Congolese security forces killed at least six people and injured 68 others Sunday as thousands of demonstrators held nationwide protests calling for Kabila to step down. His mandate ended in 2016, but a court determined he should remain in power until a new election is held.
Many critics accuse the president of delaying the vote to stay in office, especially after a deal brokered by the Catholic church to hold elections by the end of 2017 fell apart when Congo’s government said preparations would not be completed in time. The election is now set for December.
“We know the song Presidence—rdc!” activist group LUCHA said on Twitter in response to Kabila’s remarks. “No excuse can justify the non-organization of elections in time.”
The United Nations said security forces used excessive force Sunday, with its human rights monitors targeted. In a separate report, the U.N. this week also blamed Congolese “state agents” for 1,176 extrajudicial killings last year. Observers have warned that the political uncertainty is fueling violence and could destabilize the region.
Kabila criticized the U.N.’S response to deadly violence in the Kasai region and the mineral-rich east, where a rebel group killed 15 peacekeepers in an hourslong attack on a U.N. base late last year.
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