Dem. Rep. of Congo: Capital events ban follows violence

By Godfrey Olukya

ARU, Democratic Republic of Congo

In the wake of protests in the capital this week that left over 30 people dead, Democratic Republic of Congo officials Saturday banned all public events and meetings in Kinshasa indefinitely, including a march organized by supporters of President Joseph Kabila.

''We have cancelled the march and also banned public events and meetings. This has been done to prevent violence especially after the human and material damages seen last Monday and Tuesday during opposition demonstrations,” said a statement by the provincial interior minister, Emmanuel Akweti.

There were fears that if the march took place, anti-Kabila groups could attack the pro-Kabila group, fueling a spiral of violence.

The ban, according to authorities, is a security measure meant to see that peace prevails in the city and the country at large. It does not, however, affect religious institutions like churches and mosques.

This Monday a political rally organized by the opposition coalition in Kinshasa degenerated into riots when people started pelting stones at police, who responded by shooting with live bullets.

Riots continued through Tuesday, and police said 32 people, including four policemen, were killed.

Jean Mbosso, an opposition coalition coordinator, said, “The government is panicking because most people are ready to protest against President Joseph Kabila's extending his stay in power. ''

The opposition fears Kabila could cite logistical problems in registering voters to postpone elections set for later this year, thereby extending his third term. He is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term.