In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, opposition leaders Jean-Marc Kabund and Delly Sesanga have denounced the unequal treatment of political marches by the authorities. On September 22, the UDPS party and its allies organized a march in Kinshasa, which was heavily policed. The opposition leaders claim that this march was treated differently from a march organized by the Coalition Article 64 (C64) on September 15. They argue that the authorities imposed restrictions on the C64 march while allowing the UDPS march to proceed with minimal disruptions.
The C64 march on September 15 was organized to protest against any potential changes to the constitution and a possible third term for President Félix Tshisekedi. The march was marked by restrictions and incidents in several parts of Kinshasa. In contrast, the UDPS march on September 22 was a show of support for President Tshisekedi and the institutions. The UDPS march drew thousands of supporters, including several high-ranking officials from the ruling party. Christophe Mboso, the second vice-president of the National Assembly, and Taupin Kabongo Mukengeshay, a senator, were among the prominent figures present.
Delly Sesanga, president of the Envol party, expressed concerns about the concept of public liberties in the DRC. He argued that the unequal treatment of political marches undermines the democratic process. Sesanga called for continued mobilization through peaceful means and the ballot box. He also reiterated his opposition to any changes to the constitution, a third term for President Tshisekedi, and any delays to the electoral calendar beyond 2028.
Jean-Marc Kabund, a key figure in the C64 coalition, also criticized the unequal treatment of political marches. He argued that the authorities were applying a "two-weight, two-measure" policy, where the opposition was restricted while the ruling party was given free rein. Kabund vowed that the C64 coalition would continue to defend the constitutional order and public liberties.
The controversy surrounding the two marches has highlighted a deeper issue in the DRC - the right to demonstrate and the equal treatment of political actors. The opposition leaders argue that the authorities' actions are a threat to democracy and the rule of law. The UDPS party, on the other hand, sees the September 22 march as a demonstration of popular support for the government and the constitutional process.
The two marches have exposed a new fault line in Kinshasa - the issue of who has the right to demonstrate and under what conditions. The opposition leaders have called for the authorities to respect the rights of all citizens to assemble and express their opinions. The government has not officially responded to the criticisms, but the issue is likely to continue to be a source of tension in the run-up to the elections.
The debate over the right to demonstrate and equal treatment of political actors is likely to continue in the DRC. The opposition leaders have vowed to continue mobilizing and defending their rights, while the ruling party is likely to continue to push for its agenda. The international community is watching closely, as the DRC prepares for a crucial electoral period.
Key points
- The DRC opposition leaders criticize unequal treatment of political marches by the authorities.
- The controversy highlights a deeper issue in the DRC - the right to demonstrate and the equal treatment of political actors.
- The opposition leaders have called for continued mobilization through peaceful means and the ballot box.
