DRC opposition headquarters torched as anti-Kabila protests continue

Three opposition party headquarters in the DRC were torched killing four persons. This follows wide protests in Democratic Republic of Congo against the postponement of elections earlier slated for November by President Kabila. Many believe the postponement by Kabila is a bid to hold on to the Presidency.

The headquarters of three opposition parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been torched.  As a result of the fires that took place on Monday night/Tuesday morning, four people have been proclaimed dead, Agence France-Presse reports. The three DRC opposition headquarters torched are Forces of Union and Solidarity (Fonus), Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UPDS) and Lumumbist Progressive Movement (MLP). This follows the unrest and protests in Kinshasa over President Joseph Kabila’s decision to delay the elections.

The government claims that at least 17 people have been killed since the unrest started, warning that the toll could rise. Opposition groups however peg the number of dead persons at 50. Last year, at least 12 people died in similar protests.

His opponents accuse him of attempting to cling to power. Kabila loyalists maintain that logistical and financial constraints as reasons for the postponement. The electoral roll they say, excludes about half of the DRC’s 45 million eligible voters.

Kabila took over as leader of the Democratic Republic of Congo after his father’s death. His father, Laurent Kabila was shot in 2001 by a bodyguard. Kabila has been voted into power twice via disputed elections in 2006 and 2012. The constitution forbids a third term.

Kabila, whose second term expires in December, announced the postponement of the election which was slated for November this year. This has led to protests on the streets of Congo.

How do we explain to these men that a country is not a birthright? It is not a family heirloom to be passed on for generations. It is not a favorite toy that one refuses to let go of.

Several leaders have urged the Congolese President to stick to the election timetable. His opponents have accused him of attempting to cling to power. Kabila loyalists maintain that logistical and financial constraints are the reason for the postponement. The electoral roll they say, excludes about half of the DRC’s 45 million eligible voters.

The DRC has a population of 79 million and shares borders with nine countries. Violence in this country which has never had a peaceful transition of power is bad for everyone. It is deeply infuriating that in 2016, African leaders still cling on to power despite dreadful repercussions.How do we explain to these men that a country is not a birthright? It is not a family heirloom to be passed on for generations. It is not a favorite toy that you should refuse to let go of.

We should be well past this stage in our evolution as a continent. Young Africans are smart, industrious, and innovative, we deserve more than greedy old men who would rather see us resort to violence than withdraw their hold on offices they are not entitles to occupy.