DRC’s Catholic Leader Condemns Acts by Armed Forces Against Protesters

The leader of the Roman Catholic Church in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo has come out to criticize government’s harsh retaliation towards citizens during the recent protests against President Joseph Kabila.

Cardinal Monsengwo said on Wednesday that armed forces were acting in a barbaric manner, condemning the firing of tear gas across Kinshasa to prevent worshippers from reaching churches on Sunday.

“We can only denounce, condemn and stigmatise the actions of our so-called valiant men in uniform who unfortunately are carrying out – no more, no less – barbarism,” the Catholic Bishop said in a statement released on Wednesday.

His statement follows the clampdown by security forces on fresh anti-government protests that have spread across DRC calling for President Joseph Kabila to step down.

Over the weekend, 11 people are estimated to have been killed in Kinshasa after armed forces fired live ammunition and teargas at protesters, while several others were injured.

Cardinal Monsengwo said that the actions of the armed forces created a sociopolitical malaise.

“It is no longer a secret to anyone that the general climate in the country, and in the capital in particular, is characterised by renewed fear and anxiety, uncertainty and even panic,” he said.

“How can we trust leaders incapable of protecting the population, of guaranteeing peace, justice and love of people?” the cleric questioned.

He accused security agencies of killing people who were innocently marching and arresting priests.

A political crisis in DRC was triggered in December 2016 when President Kabila who has ruled since 2001 refused to step down after his constitutional tenure had expired.

Kabila’s critics were further infuriated when government postponed general elections which had been scheduled for end of 2017 to an extra year.

Earlier this week, UN Secretary General, António Guterres called on the DRC government to uphold the rights of the Congolese people to the freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. He also urged the security forces to exercise restraint.