CENCO condemns police and Force du Progrès alliance in violent crackdown on opposition protests

The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) has issued a scathing statement condemning what it describes as a coordinated effort between the national police and the youth wing of the ruling party, Force du Progrès, to violently suppress opposition demonstrations against constitutional reforms.

In a strongly worded declaration released following an emergency session on June 20 in Kinshasa, CENCO’s executive secretary, Monseigneur Donatien Nshole, accused authorities of weaponizing state resources to intimidate dissenting voices within both opposition and majority ranks.

Violent repression of opposition rallies

CENCO’s statement specifically highlights the brutal suppression of a sit-in organized by the Coalition C64 on June 12 near the Palais du Peuple in Kinshasa. The coalition had mobilized to oppose a draft referendum law proposed by National Assembly member Paul-Gaspard Ngondakoy, which had already been approved by the legislature.

According to eyewitness accounts and video evidence, police forces, working in tandem with Force du Progrès members, dispersed the peaceful gathering using tear gas and physical force. Several opposition leaders and activists were reportedly assaulted, with journalists also targeted during the crackdown.

Growing climate of fear within the ruling coalition

Beyond the public crackdown, CENCO expressed alarm over an emerging pattern of intimidation targeting members of the ruling coalition who have dared to voice opposition to the constitutional reform agenda. The statement describes a climate of fear where dissenting voices within the Majority are being silenced through threats and reprisals.

“We are witnessing a dangerous escalation where the state apparatus is being mobilized not to serve the public interest, but to crush legitimate dissent,” Monseigneur Nshole stated. “This represents a clear rupture of the republican pact that has long underpinned our democracy.”

Call for dialogue and restraint

CENCO has renewed its call for President Félix Tshisekedi to honor his oath of office and uphold the constitutional principles he swore to defend. The organization reserves the right to announce further measures if the current trajectory of repression continues unabated.

The Catholic Church’s intervention comes at a critical juncture as opposition to the constitutional reform gathers momentum across the country, with civil society organizations and international observers warning of escalating political tensions.

Key takeaways:

• CENCO condemns coordinated police and Force du Progrès crackdown on opposition protests
• June 12 sit-in violently dispersed using tear gas and physical force
• Intimidation tactics targeting dissenting voices within the ruling coalition
• Call for President Tshisekedi to uphold constitutional principles