Ida Sawyer, Africa researcher for the New York-based human rights group, said 20 people died on Monday and 17 were killed overnight…
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Georges Kapiamba, director of the local NGO – Congolese Association for Access to Justice – said that demonstrations also took place in other parts of the country, including Goma, Bukavu, and Beni.
Congo’s government has banned all protests against President Joseph Kabila after 17 people died during pro-democracy protests today in Kinshasa, the capital. CNN can not independently verify the figure.
But, Human Rights Watch says it has received “credible reports” that security forces have killed at least 37 people since the protests began.
The protests came after Congo’s largest opposition parties rejected a proposal that Kabila remain in power until elections are held.
Government spokesman Lambert Mende condemned the attack on the UDPS but denied security forces were involved. “We need calm from everyone”. Violence broke out yesterday (19 September) in Kinshasa during a march protesting against delays to the presidential election, which are perceived as a bid by President Joseph Kabila to extend his mandate to a third term. “We have seen a crackdown on the rights and freedoms of Congolese people”, he told a news conference in NY.
“Those who launched these so-called protests may be afraid of the outcome of any election that may be held”, Omalanga said, adding that the situation was now calm in Kinshasa.
“The government of the republic condemns any use of violence with the aim of spreading disorder and chaos in our country and creating the conditions to challenge democratic order”, Interior Minister Évariste Boshab told reporters. “I also call on all concerned political leaders and their supporters to desist from undertaking any further acts that could continue to exacerbate the situation and heighten tensions”, said Special Representative of the Secretary General Maman Sambo Sidikou.
A senior US State Department official said last week that the United States would consider additional targeted sanctions against individuals who seek to undermine Congo’s democratic institutions and the election process.
Deadly protests erupted on Monday, after the country’s electoral commission made a decision to postpone the next presidential election that was due to be held in November.
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Kabila took power in 2001 when his father was assassinated, but must by law step down in December.
