In the Democratic Republic of Congo, tensions are palpable as Kinshasa’s police chief, General Sylvano Kasongo, raided the headquarters of the presidential party to meet with Secretary General Augustin Kabuya. The latter had planned a meeting with more than 20 people, but the police banned it, on the pretext of growing insecurity in the eastern part of the city. Kabuya immediately canceled the meeting to avoid any confrontation.
The general then insisted on justifying his decision by explaining to the public gathered in front of the headquarters of the presidential party that the Prime Minister had ordered him to prevent any gathering of more than 20 people, for security reasons.
This decision sparked strong protests from the opposition, which cried out against the violation of the freedom to demonstrate, enshrined in the Constitution. Opponents are planning a demonstration on Saturday May 20, but the general has already warned that any gathering of more than 20 people will be dispersed.
This worrying situation in the Congolese capital demonstrates the growing insecurity in the city and underlines the importance of strengthening security measures to protect the population and the fundamental rights of citizens.