CENCO condemns police collaboration with Force du Progrès in suppressing opposition protests
The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) has raised the alarm over what it describes as a dangerous alliance between the national police and the Force du Progrès, a militant wing of a political party, in violently dispersing opposition-led demonstrations against constitutional amendments.
Unprecedented repression tactics
During a press conference concluding its extraordinary session in Kinshasa on Saturday, CENCO’s Executive Secretary, Monseigneur Donatien Nshole, expressed grave concern about the escalating repression targeting opposition movements. The church leader specifically highlighted the joint operations between law enforcement and Force du Progrès militants during recent protests.
« Opposition demonstrations are being violently suppressed through coordinated actions between the national police and this political militia, » stated Monseigneur Nshole. The cleric went on to describe how state resources are being mobilized to stifle dissent even within the ruling coalition itself.
Internal dissent silenced
CENCO’s statement revealed alarming reports of intimidation tactics being used against members of the ruling majority who dare to oppose the constitutional reform initiative. « We are witnessing an alarming climate of terror directed at voices of dissent within the ruling coalition, who are being silenced through threats of retaliation, » Monseigneur Nshole explained.
The church’s condemnation follows last Friday’s violent dispersal of a sit-in organized by the C64 Coalition to protest the parliamentary approval of a referendum bill proposed by National Deputy Paul-Gaspard Ngondakoy. Several human rights organizations had previously accused both police forces and Force du Progrès members of assaulting opposition leaders and protesters using tear gas outside the People’s Palace in Kinshasa.
Constitutional reform controversy
The controversy centers around proposed amendments to the 2006 constitution, which opponents argue would pave the way for President Félix Tshisekedi to remain in power beyond his current mandate. The CENCO’s strong condemnation comes as part of a broader ecclesiastical push for dialogue and negotiation rather than confrontation.
In related developments, the Catholic Church has warned that such constitutional changes could lead to « a rupture of the republican pact, » emphasizing the potential consequences for national stability and democratic principles.
