One week after the protests, the Voix des Sans Voix pour les droits de l'homme (VSV) has expressed concern over the violent incidents that occurred during the demonstrations organized by the opposition on September 15 in Kinshasa. The organization has denounced what it describes as "repression" and "attack on peaceful demonstrators". According to the VSV, despite the opposition's willingness to modify the initial meeting point and route, the situation turned violent.
The VSV reported that the violence occurred between the 10th and 12th streets in the Limete commune, where protesters were attacked with machetes and other instruments. The organization stated that several people were injured, and one person, Manassé Lomboto Bomengola, a 23-year-old member of the Action for Democracy and Development in Congo (ADD-Congo) party, was killed. The VSV has condemned the use of violence, which it says has become "common currency" in some political parties.
The VSV has also condemned the restrictions on the right to demonstrate, citing the illegal bans on protests in several provinces. The organization believes that these measures violate Article 26 of the Democratic Republic of Congo's Constitution and international human rights instruments. However, the VSV has welcomed the release of dozens of members of political parties who were arrested in several provinces, mainly in the Haut-Katanga province.
The organization has called on the Congolese authorities to conduct an independent investigation into the repression and disruption of the September 15 protests. The VSV also demands that the authorities take responsibility for the funeral expenses of the deceased militant and provide compensation to his family for the damages suffered. Furthermore, the organization has urged the authorities to take all necessary measures to combat the frequent use of violence by some political parties.
The protests were organized by the opposition, led by the Coalition Article 64 (C64), which has been critical of the government of President Félix Tshisekedi. The C64 has accused the government of attempting to change the Constitution to allow Tshisekedi to remain in power beyond his two constitutional terms. The protests were intended to denounce the proposed constitutional changes and to pressure lawmakers to abandon the examination of a bill on a referendum.
The VSV has also called on the authorities to publicly condemn the acts of violence that occurred during the protests. The organization believes that the authorities have a responsibility to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future. The incident has sparked widespread concern in the Congolese sociopolitical environment.
An investigation into the violence has been announced by the judicial authorities. The incident has also sparked reactions from various stakeholders, including human rights organizations and politicians. The opposition has continued to press for their demands, including the abandonment of the proposed constitutional changes.
Key points
- The Voix des Sans Voix has condemned the use of violence during protests in Kinshasa.
- The organization has called for an independent investigation into the repression and disruption of the protests.
- The incident has sparked widespread concern in the Congolese sociopolitical environment.
