The opposition coalition of the Democratic Republic of Congo has called for the continuation of the anti-Kabila demonstration on Tuesday despite Monday’s ban after the government announced that 17 people were killed. In recent days, the ruling party has floated the idea of a unity government with opposition members until the next elections, though the proposal would keep Kabila in charge during that period.
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“Under the DRC’s constitution, Kabila is not eligible to seek a third term”.
The fires came after more than 50 people were killed on Monday in clashes between protesters and security forces in Kinshasa, according to opposition groups.
The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court should monitor the situation in Congo, visit the country, and publish a statement reminding Congolese officials that the court has jurisdiction over Congo and is watching developments closely, HRW said.
The UDPS is led by Etienne Tshisekedi, an opposition stalwart who lost against Kabila in a 2011 presidential run-off.
Congo, Africa’s top copper producer, has never had a peaceful transfer of power since independence from Belgium in 1960.
Lambert Mende Omalanga, minister of communication, told CNN: “We condemn revenge attacks as a manner of justice”.
At least eight people, including three police officers, on Monday were confirmed dead following an anti-government march, which turned violent.
The opposition is demanding President Joseph Kabila step down from his post by December.
The opposition is accusing the 45-year-old president of trying to extend his rule.
Meanwhile, the United States (US) has chided the DR Congo government over the physical and verbal abuse the US special envoy to the Great Lakes region suffered at the Kinshasa airport.
“Unfortunately, the pattern over the past year has been to dramatically reduce that open political space”.
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“Today’s events underscore the need for a truly inclusive dialogue process aimed at reaching consensus on holding presidential elections as soon as technically feasible and guaranteeing the country’s first democratic transition of power”, said US State Department spokesman John Kirby.
Opposition parties claim that he will attempt to extend his term by pushing back the elections.
Human Rights Watch researcher Ida Sawyer said the monitor “received credible reports that security forces shot dead at least 20 people (on Monday) during Kinshasa protests against election delays”.
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Many of Congo’s citizens and opposition leaders, including a group represented by Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, aren’t so sure that Kabila will give up the presidency without a fight.
