DRC: Following incidents at the C64 sit-in in Kinshasa, the government launches an inquiry and calls for restraint
Kinshasa experienced tensions this Friday. A sit-in organized by the opposition coalition C64 degenerated into clashes and acts of vandalism in several areas of the capital. In response to these incidents, the Congolese authorities announced the opening of an investigation to shed full light on the facts and determine responsibility.
The following day, the Keeper of the Seals, Guillaume Ngefa, visited the leaders of the political groups concerned. The discussions focused on the unfolding of events and their immediate consequences.
At the same time, the executive instructed the competent services to carry out all necessary verifications to reconstruct the exact circumstances of the reported disturbances.
In a statement released on Saturday, June 13, the government firmly condemned the violence that occurred.
According to initial information provided by the administrative services of the city of Kinshasa, injuries were recorded both among the protesters and among the security forces.
Significant material damage was also reported, including the burning of vehicles as well as damage to public and private property. These acts contributed to escalating tensions on the ground.
While reaffirming its commitment to the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, the government reminds that the exercise of the right to demonstrate must be carried out in strict compliance with the law, public order, and the safety of citizens.
The executive finally calls on political and social actors to exercise restraint and responsibility.
The investigation will need to determine precisely how the events unfolded. But from now on, the authorities affirm their determination to preserve peace, the safety of citizens, and national cohesion.
In a capital often shaken by political tensions, this incident highlights the fragile balance between the right to demonstrate and the maintenance of order.
The response of the government combining firmness with calls for calm—will be closely scrutinized in the days to come.
