HRF condemns DRC authorities’ violent and deadly repression in response to an opposition-led protest against Congolese ruler Felix Tshisekedi’s regime bid for a third term. Tshisekedi, who has never legitimately secured a popular mandate through elections, is attempting to forcefully cling to power with constitutional manipulation while cracking down on dissent in the same way that his predecessor Joseph Kabila did.

Today, hundreds of opposition supporters rallied in the capital Kinshasa for a protest called by the C64 opposition coalition, which had called for a sit-in in front of parliament. Security forces blocked off access to the parliament, and as some protesters attempted to break the police cordon, violent clashes ensued. Police then charged and attacked protesters. Senior opposition leader Martin Fayulu–the legitimate winner of the 2018 presidential elections— as well as opposition figures Jean-Marc Kabund et Delly Sesanga were among dozens injured, while two opposition supporters were shot dead.

Local human rights groups denounced the excessive use of force by police, as well as attacks on the offices of opposition parties Ecidé of Fayulu, FONUS et d’Ensemble pour le Changement by members of the youth wing of Tshisekedi’s ruling UDPS party with the support or complicity of certain police officers.