DRC: Opposition UNAFEC says its leaders are being intimidated

As the political temperature heats up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the opposition National Union of Federalists of Congo (UNAFEC) says its leaders are being harassed.

The party says posters of its presidential candidates as well as its symbols and buildings have been vandalised since the start of the week in the capital Kinshasa as well as in Katanga.

The party’s headquarters at Lubumbashi was also besieged by heavily armed police personnel on Wednesday, RFI reported.

The police presence was however resisted by the Zulus, the youth group of the UNAFEC.

The ensuing standoff reportedly led to gunshots being fired prompting businesses to close and activities in the town coming to a standstill, RFI further reported.

The situation was however calmed by personnel of the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, MONUSCO.

The opposition has stiffly opposed overtures that seem to suggest that the incumbent, Joseph Kabila, who is constitutionally barred from a third term might want to hold onto power.

#DRC: Opposition protest likely third term bid of President Kabila https://t.co/wNIPFgpBL1 #Congo2016

— African Elections (@Africanelection) April 21, 2016