The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) concluded its extraordinary session in Kinshasa on Saturday, June 20, by denouncing the alliance between the national police and the so-called ‘Progress Force,’ a political militia accused of violently suppressing opposition-led protests against constitutional amendments.

« Opposition protests are being brutally repressed by the national police in collaboration with a political party’s militia called the ‘Progress Force,’ » CENCO declared.

Executive Secretary of CENCO, Bishop Donatien Nshole, also raised concerns about the silencing of dissenting voices within the ruling coalition. « We are alarmed by escalating tensions fueled by the ruling majority’s campaign to amend the February 18, 2006 constitution. Regrettably, this state-backed initiative operates under a climate of terror against dissenting voices within the majority itself, who are silenced out of fear of retaliation, » he stated.

« Meanwhile, we observe, with great concern, growing tensions arising from the ruling majority’s campaign to change the Constitution of February 18, 2006. Unfortunately, this campaign, which mobilizes state resources, is unfolding in a climate of terror against dissenting voices within the Majority, forced into silence by fear of reprisals. »

Following the violent dispersal of the C64 Coalition’s sit-in on June 12—organized to oppose the parliamentary validation of a referendum bill by National Deputy Paul-Gaspard Ngondakoy—multiple national and international human rights organizations accused both the police and the Progress Force, an UDPS-affiliated youth group, of using tear gas and violence against opposition leaders and protesters near the Palais du Peuple in Kinshasa.

Samyr Lukombo