The city of Tshikapa, capital of the province of Kasaï, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was the scene of a repressed demonstration this Friday, June 9, 2023. Members of the citizen movement Lutte Pour le Révolution (LUCHA) mobilized to claim the drop in the cost of connecting Régideso, which went from 220 to 320 dollars. This demonstration was banned by the city authority, Deputy Mayor Jean Pierre Ntumba, who cited political and social issues.
Despite the ban, protesters decided to take to the streets. The Congolese National Police (PNC) was therefore requisitioned to repress the march. A group of demonstrators was arrested and guarded by the Congolese National Police (PNC) in the commune of Kanzala.
The situation in this city is difficult, the question of drinking water is complicated, and the increase in Régideso’s bills has only served to drive the point home.
This crackdown comes in a tense context for the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is facing security problems, but its government is actively seeking to develop the country. Indeed, agricultural programs have been launched and the country is getting closer to issuing national identity cards. Security is a brake on the electoral process, which the European Union is following closely. On the other hand, security issues seem to be at an impasse, kidnappings are on the increase and the question of political violence is resurfacing.