Violent clashes break out in DRC as protesters demand end to Kabila’s presidency
Kinshasa — Clashes broke out on Monday in the east Democratic of Republic of Congo (DRC) city of Goma between police and demonstrators opposed to President Joseph Kabila’s sustained grip on power and demanding elections. The youth movement, Struggle for Change (Lucha), urged followers and sympathisers to turn out for "a peaceful march" around the country "to say ‘No’ to Mr Kabila’s life presidency and demand elections before the end of this year". Several opposition coalitions and prominent figures including Moise Katumbi, business leader and former governor of the southern Katanga province, expressed support for the marches, timed to mark the July 31 date given by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) to conclude the registration of voters. Police arrested a dozen demonstrators in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, AFP’s local correspondent reported. But protesters continued to throw stones at police and build makeshift barricades when the police fired tear ga...
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