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Congo: At Least Seven Dead Amid Protests Against Joseph Kabila’s Rule

HeadlineJan 02, 2018

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, security forces have killed at least seven people amid protests over Joseph Kabila’s refusal to step down as president. Among those attacked by police were Catholic protesters, who were met with tear gas and concussion grenades as they marched through the capital Kinshasa following Sunday mass. President Kabila’s term expired in December 2016, and under Congo’s constitution he’s ineligible to seek a third term. But Kabila has delayed a new election to pick his successor until December. This is Maman Louis, a protester in Kinshasa.

Maman Louis: “We are tired. We have never had peace in this country. Nothing works. We don’t eat well. President Kabila is still young, and he can leave his place to someone else and come back later if he wants. He has worked a lot already. It’s enough. We don’t want him. He should go and rest.”

On Sunday, Congolese authorities cut off internet access and text messaging services in parts of the country in a bid to stifle dissent.

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