Monday was meant to be the last day of Joseph Kabila’s 15-year presidency. Instead, as the leader of the Democratic Republic of Congo refuses to step down, the largest country in Sub-Saharan African is lurching towards a bloody political crisis.
In the capital, many are bracing for a violent clash between Kabila’s opponents and security forces. In September, when the last major demonstrations were held, about 50 people were killed. This time, experts worry, could be worse.
Over the last week, Catholic bishops mediated talks between Kabila’s supporters and a patchwork of the regime’s political opponents. But on Saturday, participants announced that no agreement had been reached, emboldening the mostly young men who have begun referring to Monday as D-Day, and say they will take to the streets en masse.
Kabila is among a growing number of African leaders who have angled to extend their terms by either changing the constitution, delaying elections, or holding elections marred by allegations of rigging. Angola’s José Eduardo dos Santos, 74, has ruled for 37 years. Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe, 92, has been in power for 30 years. More recently, the presidents of Burundi and the neighboring Republic of Congo both announced plans to extend power, igniting domestic crises in each country. Read More Here
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