Activists of the citizens’ movement “Fight for Change” (LUCHA) once again stormed the streets of Tshikapa to demand a reduction in the REGIDESO bill. This peaceful demonstration was however repressed by the security forces, underlining the tensions which persist in the region.
In an interview given to the press, Joël Minga, a LUCHA activist, explained that the objective of the demonstration was to fight against the scarcity and high cost of water in the communes of Mbumba and Mabondo. Unfortunately, the police violently repressed the march, resulting in the arrest and beating of ten activists.
LUCHA has strongly condemned this repression and calls for the immediate release of its imprisoned members. She also denounces the restriction of public freedoms orchestrated by the mayor of the city who, according to her, is unable to guarantee security in Tshikapa.
It is important to note that the population has been complaining for some time about the considerable increase in the REGIDESO bill, thus putting some households in a precarious financial situation. This unsustainable situation echoes the protest movement led by LUCHA, which calls for concrete measures to resolve this problem.
It is essential that freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate peacefully are respected by the authorities. This latest incident highlights the need to find real solutions to the social and economic problems that the Congolese people face on a daily basis.
In conclusion, the LUCHA demonstration in Tshikapa to demand a reduction in the REGIDESO bill once again illustrates the challenges the population is facing. It is essential that the authorities take into account the legitimate demands of civil society and work together to find lasting solutions to the problems affecting the Congolese population.