Congolese opposition activists detained by police

By Godfrey Olukya

ARU, Democratic Republic of Congo

Over 40 members of an opposition coalition on Tuesday were arrested as they held demonstrations against Congolese President Joseph Kabila.

The demonstrations were meant to mark the anniversary of Kabila’s end of term in office. On same date in 2016, Kabila’s term of office expired but he refused to leave, claiming most voters had not been registered.

According to UN radio, the organizers’ goal was to demand the departure of Kabila. They also protested against the electoral calendar and legislation.

One of the opposition coalition mobilizers, Andrew Kalala, said: “Over 40 of our members have been arrested all over the country. That is a sign that the government is panicking.”

The Congolese National Police confirmed officers arrested demonstrators in different cities. Colonel Pierrot Rombeau Mwanamputu said dozens of activists and executives of the main opposition party were arrested during “hostile gatherings” which had been prohibited by the authorities.