Congo tense as Catholic bishops withdraw from talks

Congo tense as Catholic bishops withdraw from talks

Political tension rose in the capital of Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday (March 28) after Catholic bishops withdrew from their role as mediators between the government and opposition in talks aimed at paving the way for delayed elections this year.

There were reports of isolated unrest in some parts of Kinshasa following the move by the Bishops and many shops remained closed with a heavy police presence across the city.

Some schools called parents to collect their children and the market was closed.

President Joseph Kabila’s mandate ran out in December but polls were not held due to what the government said were budgetary constraints, sparking violent protests at the end of last year in which security forces killed at least 40 people.

Congo’s conference of Catholic bishops (CENCO) helped negotiate a Dec. 31 deal aimed at avoiding a political crisis by ensuring an election this year to elect Kabila’s successor.

In January, the bishops warned that the deal was at risk of unravelling if politicians did not act quickly to reach compromises and implement the deal.

The bishops stepped aside on Tuesday after progress on the deal stalled, raising the prospect of renewed violence in a country that has suffered a succession of wars and rebellions.

Kabila has ruled the central African copper producer since his father’s assassination in 2001. His critics accuse him of deliberately delaying elections in order to remain in power.

Congo has never experienced a peaceful transition of power and millions have died in conflicts in the country’s east since 1996, most from hunger and disease.

Demonstrators, some burning tyres at city crossroads, took to the streets in several areas in Kinshasa. In one instance, police fired tear gas to disperse a small group of youths.

Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories