According to incoming reports, on September 19 opposition supporters who demand the resignation of President Joseph Kabila clashed with security forces in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The protests flared up after the Independent National Electoral Commission failed to announce the date for presidential elections in accordance with the national Constitution that same day. Civil unrest was accompanied by arson, robberies and vandalism. Reports say that 19 people, including three police officers, have been killed and over 100 have been injured.
The Russian Embassy in Kinshasa said no Russian citizens have been hurt.
Moscow invariably advocates settling differences in Congolese society through political methods, stabilising the situation, and resolving all contentious issues in line with the law and through dialogue. We will continue to closely follow developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Distributed by APO on behalf of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
Download logo
Source: APO – Africa-Newsroom: latest news releases related to Africa
