Police stop opposition rally in DRC after disputed presidential election

Congolese police forcefully dispersed a banned protest in Kinshasa on Wednesday, injuring several people in the process.

Disputes over the December 20 presidential and legislative elections threaten to further undermine the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is already dealing with an eastern security crisis that has affected development in the world’s top producer of cobalt and other industrial minerals and metals.

Despite the crackdown, one opposition leader suggested additional marches have been planned against last week’s election.

The opposition also faulted the extension of the poll in some places until Christmas due to numerous logistical challenges encountered.

Recall that five opposition candidates in the race to unseat incumbent president Felix Tshisekedi, as well as civil society organizations, called on their supporters to join a march on Wednesday against the poll.

They alleged that the election was fraudulent and should be cancelled.

The Archbishop of Kinshasa also considered the elections “a gigantic organized disorder”.

The government had earlier banned the rally, calling it an attempt to undermine the electoral process.

Nearly 44 million registered voters were expected to cast their ballots in the election.

Until now, President Felix Tshisekedi has led the poll, with Moïse Katumbi and Martin Fayulu coming in second and third, respectively.