DRC Justice Minister Orders Probe into Kinshasa Protest Violence
Congo's justice ministry has launched a judicial inquiry into the death of a protestor and clashes during an anti-government rally in the capital.
Key points
- Congo's justice minister ordered a judicial inquiry into violence and deaths during the September 15 Kinshasa rally.
- The protests were organized by the C64 movement against a constitutional change allowing President Tshisekedi a third term.
- Opposition supporters allege that police used tear gas and that government-aligned groups used machetes during the clashes.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s justice minister has ordered a formal judicial inquiry into reports of violence, injuries, and criminal activity during an anti-government rally in Kinshasa on September 15. The decision follows allegations that police used tear gas to disperse the crowd, leading to clashes that resulted in the death of at least one opposition supporter.
According to local media reports, the Attorney General was instructed to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests, property destruction, and alleged fatalities. This move comes amid heightened tensions over a proposed constitutional amendment that could allow President Felix Tshisekedi, 63, to seek a third five-year term in office.
Protests target potential third term
The C64 movement, a coalition of opposition groups, organized the demonstrations to oppose the planned constitutional change. While protests took place across the country, the gathering in the capital quickly descended into chaos as hundreds of protesters confronted pro-government groups. Opposition figures allege that government supporters were armed with machetes during the confrontations.
The proposed amendment has sparked widespread concern among political opponents who argue it undermines democratic norms. The rally was part of a broader nationwide campaign against what critics describe as an attempt to extend executive power beyond established limits.
Judicial inquiry scope defined
As reported by Africanews, the investigation will cover a wide range of incidents, including physical injuries, damage to private and public property, and the handling of detainees. The justice ministry stated that the probe aims to clarify the sequence of events and identify any individuals responsible for the alleged abuses.
Regional stability under scrutiny
This political unrest occurs against a backdrop of other significant crises in the region, including a recent school fire that killed students and ongoing efforts to manage an Ebola outbreak. Observers are watching closely to see if the government’s response to the protests will affect broader social stability and international perceptions of the country’s governance.
