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DR Congo Protests – US Sanctions
Following the recent riots over delayed presidential elections, Budd’s DR Congo offices in Kinshasa and Matadi report that the situation seems to be calmer for the time being.
Most of the fighting and pillaging was concentrataed on the outskirts of Kinshasa and we understand that the port of Matadi has continued to function normally.
As in Gabon, the conflict stems from fears that the current president, Jospeh Kabila, may be reluctant to relinquish power. According to the Congolese constitution, President Kabila is not entitled to seek a third mandate in the next presidential elections which are due to take place before the end of this year.
The headquarters of three opposition parties were torched earlier this month and up to 32 people were killed in the ensuing clashes with the police.
On 29 September, the US Government announced sanctions against two of President Kabila’s supporters, General Gabriel Amisi Kumba and John Numbi, an ex police chief, both of whom are accused of threatening the opposition. Their assets in the US have been frozen.
Source: Budd DR Congo