Security forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo have clashed with anti-government protesters in the capital, Kinshasa, firing tear gas and engaging in running battles. The demonstrators were protesting against alleged irregularities in the voter registration system, as well as the rising cost of living and insecurity in the east of the country, where armed militias and rebel groups have killed hundreds and displaced over a million.
The protest was called for by opposition leaders, including Martin Fayulu, who came second in the 2018 presidential election, and Moise Katumbi, a millionaire businessman and former regional governor who is expected to run in 2023. Fayulu stated that his vehicle was surrounded by security forces who continued to fire tear gas to disperse demonstrators.
The unrest comes as Congo prepares for a general election on 20 December, with President Felix Tshisekedi expected to seek a second term. However, political tensions are on the rise in the world's leading cobalt producer, with some opposition candidates complaining of delays and irregularities in the voter registration drive.
The electoral commission is expected to publish voter registration data on Sunday, but opposition leaders have warned that the register is unreliable and have vowed not to compromise on the issue. Congo's human rights minister, Albert-Fabrice Puela, has condemned the violence by security forces against demonstrators and called for an investigation.
During the protest, around a dozen demonstrators were detained by security forces, and a video shared on social media showed a shirtless youth being kicked, beaten with a helmet, and dragged along the ground by several men in uniform. Police spokesman Sylvano Kasongo stated that three policemen had been detained for violence against a minor during the demonstration, and that 27 police officers were injured during the clashes.