DRC: Police officers detained following 20 May protest

Opposition march in Kinshasa, DRC, May 20, 2023, authorized but dispersed by police for non-compliance with the route imposed by the authorities. © Pascal Mulegwa/RFI

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In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), it was learned, Sunday, May 21, that police officers have been in detention since Saturday for beating a minor during the march initiated by opponents Moïse Katumbi, Martin Fayulu, Matata Mponyo and Delly Sessanga.

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With our correspondent in Kinshasa, Pascal Mulegwa

The image shocked and caused an uproar in the media. The march was called to denounce the high cost of living, the opacity in the preparations for the elections scheduled for the end of the year as well as the insecurity. The Youth League of the presidential party had demonstrated the same day in support of the institutions. Two demonstrations by two opposing camps, authorized the same day by the governor of Kinshasa, except that the opposition had not respected the itinerary imposed by the governor.

The three police officers, who beat a minor who was demonstrating in the ranks of the opposition, are currently being held in a dungeon at the provincial police station.

Their leader, Divisional Commissioner Sylvano Kasongo, accuses them of violating the instructions of engagement and being guilty of assault and battery. According to this senior officer, they will be made available to the military prosecutor's office to be heard and brought before a garrison court.

Peter Kazadi, Deputy Prime Minister of the Interior and Security, visited the boy at a health facility. He accused opposition parties of manipulating young protesters. President Felix Tshisekedi is scheduled to visit all the injured, protesters and police alike, on Monday afternoon.

According to hospital sources, eleven of the 27 injured police officers are still hospitalized, two of whom are in critical condition.

For the authorities, the two pro- and anti-power marches ended without a death of man. The opponent Frank Diongo advances, meanwhile, a balance sheet of two dead. No UN or independent source has confirmed this assessment.

" READ ALSO – DRC: controversy around the management of the demonstration of May 20

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