Political temperature high in DR Congo as parties plan rallies

Political temperature in the Democratic Republic of Congo continue to rise.

This follow a controversial court ruling that ordered that President Kabila could remain in power beyond his mandate if elections fail to hold in November.

To this effect, a major opposition rally is scheduled to take place across the country except in the provinces of North Kivu and Lubumbashi.

Governor of North Kivu, Julien Paluku, said North Kivu is in mourning and no public rallies would be permitted in the province.

“According to our traditions, we don’t cry for people in the streets, we don’t cry for people by protesting,” he said.

The ruling PPRD party will also hold rallies in the country in support of the court’s decision to extend Kabila’s reign in the country.

There are however fears of clashes in the event supporters of the two political camps meet.

The United States and other bodies have expressed concern over the political tension in the country.

Arrest warrant against Moise Katumbi.
blocking rallies of opposition leader Fayulu-US Govt concern abt events in DRC pic.twitter.com/kFr8ERM74t

— Samira Sawlani (@samirasawlani) May 21, 2016

Kabila has been in power since 2001, when he took over after his father’s assassination.
He was elected president in 2006 and 2011 but is constitutionally barred from standing for a third term in office.