The demonstration authorized this Saturday, May 20 in Kinshasa was harshly repressed by the authorities. Despite authorization from City Hall, security forces used violence to prevent opponents from marching. Kianza Avenue, where the rally was to be held, was quickly blocked by soldiers and police armed with tear gas and batons.
Opposition leaders denounced extreme violence and were prevented from meeting with security forces to discuss the march. Videos and images of people being violently tortured and injured have been widely shared on social media.
At the same time, another march was organized by the youth of the ruling party (UDPS), with a column of supporters armed with sticks and bladed weapons. The situation remained tense in the communes of Lemba and Ngaba, where police and armed civilians chased the demonstrators.
The Democratic Republic of Congo faces many challenges, including terrorist attacks, human rights violations, economic fragility and power struggles. World Bank funding has been suspended due to this instability.
However, development projects continue to move forward in some areas, such as Musienene, where the special economic zone is growing. Unfortunately, other projects are threatened by the violence, like the Kyavinyonge fishery.
The DRC faces significant challenges, but some progress is nonetheless worth noting. However, the political and security situation remains worrying and the violent repression of the demonstrations does not bode well for the future of the country.