On February 16, religious services in Kinshasa generally went undisturbed, except at St. Theresa parish where police blocked protesters. The threats from UDPS supporters were tied to church meetings with political figures linked to the M23 rebel group, prompting police action to ensure peace during services.
In Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, religious services on February 16 proceeded without major interruptions, despite prior threats to Catholic and Protestant gatherings. In the St. Theresa Catholic parish in Nd’jili, police intervened to prevent demonstrators from disrupting the mass. The police had anticipated potential disturbances and had taken measures to ensure peace during religious observances, following threats from supporters of the ruling UDPS party targeting church services.
The police successfully maintained order during the religious services in Kinshasa, countering threats from the UDPS party supporters. The situation arose in response to church leaders meeting with political figures associated with the M23 rebel movement, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding governance and religious groups in the DRC. Overall, the intervention of law enforcement demonstrated a commitment to protecting freedom of worship amidst political unrest.
Original Source: www.fides.org
