Title: March to cancel elections attracts police attention in Kinshasa
Introduction: On Wednesday, December 27, downtown Kinshasa was the scene of a demonstration organized by five candidates for the presidency of the Republic. These candidates demanded the cancellation of the elections. The police presence was imposing, particularly in front of the installations of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). However, despite this situation, daily life seemed to go on as usual in other parts of the city.
Development: The demonstration was mainly concentrated in front of the CENI premises, located on Boulevard du 30 Juin, in the commune of Gombe. Police officers were present in large numbers to guarantee security and regulate traffic. Despite this, commercial activities continued as normal, with supermarkets open and customers going about their shopping. Street vendors also continued their business without major disruption.
The residence of presidential candidate Martin Fayulu, one of the organizers of the march, was relatively calm, with no signs of unrest. However, the residence of Pastor Théodore Ngoyi was surrounded by a police jeep and police officers stationed at each entrance. The police were also deployed at the exits of the boulevard de la CENI in order to prevent any suspicious movements.
Conclusion: Despite the significant police presence and the request for the cancellation of the elections expressed by the presidential candidates, the situation remained generally calm in other parts of the Gombe commune. Economic activities took place normally and daily life continued. However, the importance of this march and the demands of the candidates underline the political tensions surrounding these elections and the importance of a peaceful resolution to ensure the stability of the country.