Tensions erupted Sunday in the ruling coalition in the Democratic Republic of Congo that brings together the forces of the current head of state Felix Tshisekedi and his predecessor Joseph Kabila.
The head of Tshisekedi’s party and his coalition for Change (Cach), Jean-Marc Kabund, announced the end of « all talks » with the pro-Kabila Common Front for Congo (FCC).
Vice-President of the National Assembly, Mr. Kabund accuses individuals of burning a poster of Mr. Tshisekedi in Kolwezi (south-east), based on a video that circulates on social networks.
In his tweet, he deems « unacceptable » that the poster was burned in the nose and beard « officials of the ANR (intelligence) and the police ».
« Therefore, we have (CACH) stopped all discussions with the FCC, until responsibilities are established, » he adds.
Pro-Kabila governor of the province, Richard Muyej, said portraits of Kabila were also torn apart.
He described these attacks on the effigies of MM. Tshisekedi and Kabila of « madness that must stop immediately, since in Kolwezi we need peace ».
« Do not play with fire, » he added in a video broadcast on social networks. He waved the specter of communal violence that tore apart Katanga in the early 1990s, targeting the Lubas, the home community of President Tshisekedi.
« The FCC condemns the wrongdoing of the past 72 hours by activists from different sides, » said his spokesman, Joseph Kabila’s former chief of staff, Nehemie Mwilanya.
The inauguration of former opposition leader Tshisekedi on Jan. 24 marked the first peaceful transition in Congo’s history.
His predecessor retains a large majority in parliament, the post of prime minister, 2/3 of government ministries, and the majority of governorships in the 26 provinces.
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