CENCO condemns police-force du progrès collaboration in suppressing opposition protests

The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) has raised the alarm over the alleged collaboration between the National Police and the Force du Progrès in violently dispersing opposition protests against the constitutional amendment proposal. The revelations came during a press conference held in Kinshasa on Saturday, June 20, following an extraordinary session of the bishops’ assembly.

Police and militia accused of repression tactics

In a strongly worded statement, CENCO’s executive secretary, Bishop Donatien Nshole, condemned what he described as a coordinated campaign of intimidation and violence targeting opposition figures. « The police, in cahoots with the Force du Progrès — a political militia — have brutally repressed opposition demonstrations, » he declared, emphasizing the disproportionate use of force, including tear gas and physical assaults on protesters near the Palais du Peuple.

The bishop highlighted a growing climate of fear within the ruling coalition itself, where dissenting voices are being silenced under threat of retaliation. « We are witnessing a disturbing escalation as the government mobilizes state resources to push constitutional reforms, while simultaneously silencing internal critics through fear and repression, » he added.

Recent protests and escalating tensions

The accusations follow a violent crackdown on a sit-in organized by the Coalition C64 on June 12 in Kinshasa. The protest aimed to oppose a parliamentary bill spearheaded by Deputy Paul-Gaspard Ngondakoy, which seeks to enable constitutional changes via referendum. Several national and international human rights organizations have since condemned the actions of both the police and the Force du Progrès, which allegedly assaulted opposition leaders and dispersed crowds using tear gas.

CENCO has called on President Félix Tshisekedi to uphold the oath he took before God and the Nation, warning that any move to alter the 2006 constitution without broad consensus would risk « breaking the republican pact. » The organization also reserved the right to announce further actions in the coming days.

Broader implications for democratic governance

The bishops’ intervention underscores deepening concerns over the erosion of democratic norms in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With mounting pressure from civil society and international observers, the situation is being closely watched for signs of whether state institutions will prioritize dialogue over repression in addressing political dissent.