Police say DRC riots killed 22, over 270 suspects held

By Godfrey Olukya

ARU, Democratic Republic of Congo

At least 22 people were killed and 275 others were arrested during riots that took place in the country between Monday and Tuesday, police said on Thursday.

Riots in the Democratic Republic of Congo began when President Joseph Kabila refused to step down despite his term coming to an ended on Monday.

Several young people had resorted to burning old tires on the streets of Kinshasa and other towns, while some also waved red cards like it is done in football to signal to a player that he must go off the field.

According to watchdogs such as the Human Rights Watch and other organizations, the death toll is much higher, with some estimating at over 30 dead.

In a statement, police spokesman Col. Pierre Rombaut Mwanamputu said: “There were 275 arrests from across the country during the demonstrations. Most of them were troublemakers. They will soon face justice.”

Mwanamputu added police recorded 22 deaths across the country during the riots. “In Kinshasa, we recorded nine deaths. Most of those killed were looters,” he said.

''In Matadi, three were killed while looting. In Boma, two were killed and eight in Lubumbashi,'' he added.

He also said some civilians had been injured by “stray bullets”.