News in Lubumbashi: Two dead following clashes between political party activists
Political tensions continue to rise in Lubumbashi, the second largest city in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Two people lost their lives in clashes between activists from the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) and those from the Union of Nationalists and Federalists of Congo (UNAFEC), both members of the Sacred Union of the nation.
The incidents began last Monday and erupted again this Friday morning, in the district of Kilobelobe. According to several sources on site, the clashes were sparked by a dispute over the collection of a tax. The clashes resulted in the death of a father and his child who were nearby.
“UDPS and UNAFEC youths attacked several houses with projectiles and bladed weapons. Unfortunately, a father and his child lost their lives in these clashes. The situation is now under control and the police are present on the scene to ensure security,” said Norbert Ilunga Katwamba, provincial police commissioner in Haut-Katanga.
It is important to emphasize that this dispute is not without precedent between the two political parties. At the beginning of the week, it had already caused disturbances in the district of Kilobelobe, with nine people injured on both sides. The provincial government of Haut-Katanga announced the opening of an investigation to determine the responsibilities.
These incidents once again raise political tensions in the region. They also stress the importance of finding peaceful solutions to resolve political differences and prevent such incidents from happening again.
It is crucial that political actors work together to promote a climate of dialogue and mutual respect, in order to avoid new clashes and to preserve the safety of the citizens of Lubumbashi. Local authorities must also play an active role in the resolution of these conflicts, by setting up mediation mechanisms and promoting dialogue between the parties concerned.
The Sacred Union of the Nation, as a multi-party political coalition, also has an important role to play in promoting peace and stability. It must encourage its members to resolve their differences peacefully, and to work together for the well-being of the country and its citizens.
In conclusion, the latest clashes in Lubumbashi are a reminder of the paramount importance of a peaceful political process and the need for all parties involved to work together to avoid further violence.. The security and well-being of the population must be placed at the forefront, and measures must be taken to promote dialogue and reconciliation between the different political actors