The pro-change movement “Fight for Change” (LUCHA) was prevented from leading a peaceful march on June 09, 2023 in the city of Tshikapa, capital of Kasai province. The march aimed to protest against the high cost of living, the rising cost of connection to Regideso and the lack of drinking water in Kele hill.
Despite the steps taken with Regideso, which remained unanswered, the activists decided to take their claim to the streets. But the march was banned by the mayor of Tshikapa who deployed police throughout the city to disperse the protesters. Police used tear gas and live ammunition to prevent activists from gathering at the marching 3z roundabout.
Several activists were arrested and taken to police cells in Kanzala commune. Journalists were not spared: their reporting materials were confiscated. The activists wore banners that read “Regideso crook, Kele deserves water”.
The DRC is experiencing an unstable security and political situation, which is only getting worse day by day. In parallel, the country launched a new agricultural program with the help of DEM and Bio-Agro Business, as well as a new wave of biometric identification of state agents.
There are also fears of an escalation in political violence, following the illegal occupation of Moise Katumbi’s residence by armed men.
The international community is closely following the situation in the DRC, in particular with regard to the electoral processes and the security of the country.