Demonstrators clashed with security forces in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s capital, on Saturday over allegations of voter registration irregularities.
The rising cost of living and the prolonged insecurity in the country’s east, where armed militias and rebel groups have carried out attacks that have killed hundreds and displaced over a million people, are also factors fueling protesters’ rage.
Security forces detained around a dozen protesters shortly after the start of the demonstration, which was called for by opposition leaders.
“The procession is not allowed to come here, this is not the authorized route,” police commander Faustin Numbi said at the scene of the violence.
The Congo will hold a general election on December 20th, and current President Felix Tshisekedi is expected to run for reelection.
However, political tensions are rising in the world’s leading cobalt producer, as some opposition candidates have complained of delays and alleged irregularities in a voter registration drive that they claim is biased against them.
Four opposition leaders, including Martin Fayulu, who finished second in the 2018 presidential election, and Moise Katumbi, a millionaire businessman and former regional governor who plans to run for president in 2023, called for the protest on Saturday.
“As you can see, they’re using tear gas, which is tragic. Katumbi told journalists near the Kinshasa protest site, “Just before, it was real ammunition.”
Fayulu reported by phone that security forces had surrounded his vehicle and were dispersing the crowd with tear gas.
“The electoral register is not reliable,” Fayulu added, “and we will not compromise on this issue.”
The Congolese electoral commission is expected to release voter registration data on Sunday.
