Protest looms in DR Congo as youth rally against diplomatic ties with France

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), some young people are preparing to protest against their country’s diplomatic ties with France.

The planned demonstration, organised by the National Youth Council (CNJ), adds to the growing tension in the unstable Central African nation, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The march is set to commence near the Palais du Peuple (Palace of the People), the seat of the National Assembly, and will conclude at the French embassy. The primary aim of the protest is to demand the DRC's withdrawal from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), an international organisation of French-speaking nations.

A spokesperson for the CNJ stated that the demonstrators intend to deliver memoranda to Prime Minister Judith Suminwa and the French embassy. There is a prevailing sentiment among the protesters that France continues to exert control over its former colonies, despite having granted them independence.

The DRC, formerly known as Zaire, gained independence in 1960 and is the largest Francophone country, with a population exceeding 110 million. Sources indicate that security will be heightened in Kinshasa, particularly around the French embassy, in anticipation of the protests.

Administrative services are expected to face disruptions, alongside potential road travel issues. A leading think tank has warned of possible clashes between police and demonstrators, as well as instances of violence, including arson and vandalism.

The resource-rich DRC joins other African nations, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, in experiencing rising anti-French sentiment.

In 1880, France signed a treaty granting it major control over the Congo, which lasted until 1960.

This led to the establishment of France's first colony in the region, marking the beginning of exploitation, particularly through the formation of French Equatorial Africa.

France aimed to assimilate the local population into its customs and sought economic benefits through labour. In 1905, Pierre de Brazza returned to solidify control, and by 1910, French Equatorial Africa was officially created, with Brazzaville as its capital. 

The construction of the Congo-Ocean Railway (1921-1934) significantly exploited local labour, resulting in an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 African deaths due to harsh working conditions.

French control began to weaken in the 1940s as local leaders pushed for liberal policies. In 1946, the Congo was declared an overseas territory of France, gaining parliamentary representation. By 1960, the Congo achieved full independence and has remained sovereign ever since.

By Aghakazim Guliyev