The provincial coordination of the Coalition Article 64 (C64) in Haut-Katanga has accused mayors in the region of selectively enforcing the ban on public gatherings. According to C64, the mayors allowed a march organized by the Union sacrée on September 22, while preventing a C64 march on September 15. The C64 march was meant to take place in several cities, including Lubumbashi, Likasi, and Kasumbalesa.
The C64 claims that security forces were deployed to prevent their march, resulting in arrests and injuries. In contrast, the mayors participated in the Union sacrée march, which was held in support of the institutions of the Republic, national dialogue, and the constitutional reform process. The C64 argues that this shows a difference in treatment between opposition demonstrations and those supporting the presidential majority.
The C64 has denounced what it calls an "application sélective" of the ban on public gatherings. The coalition cites Article 12 of the Constitution, which states that all Congolais are equal before the law and have the right to equal protection under the law. Article 13 further states that no Congolais can be subject to discriminatory measures based on their opinions or political convictions.
The C64 is opposed to the process of modifying the Constitution, while the Union sacrée and the UDPS support the effort to change the country's foundational law. The coalition is demanding that the same measures be applied to all political formations without favoritism or discrimination. This issue highlights the ongoing tensions between the opposition and the government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The selective enforcement of the ban on public gatherings has sparked concerns about fairness and equality in the application of the law. The C64's allegations suggest that the mayors are not impartial in their decision-making, which could undermine trust in the government and its institutions. The situation in Haut-Katanga remains a point of contention in the country's ongoing debates about governance and democracy.
The Union sacrée march on September 22 was held in support of the government's efforts to reform the Constitution. The march was attended by several high-ranking officials, including President Félix Tshisekedi. The event was seen as a show of support for the government's agenda, while the C64's march was intended to express opposition to the proposed constitutional changes.
The tensions between the C64 and the government in Haut-Katanga reflect broader divisions within the country. The debate over the Constitution has sparked intense discussions about the country's future and the role of its institutions. The C64's allegations of selective enforcement will likely continue to be a point of contention in the country's ongoing discussions about governance and democracy.
Key points
- C64 accuses mayors of selectively enforcing ban on public gatherings
- Coalition cites Constitution, claims unequal treatment of opposition demonstrations
- Issue highlights ongoing tensions between opposition and government in DRC
