Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ,), chair of the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations, issued the following statement ahead of planned marches in the Democratic Republic of the Congo this Sunday calling for a peaceful democratic transition of power: 

    “I stand in solidarity with the citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo who will march for in support of a peaceful democratic transition of power this Sunday,” said Smith. “I call upon the Government to respect their rights of assembly and demonstration, and the free exercise of religion and freedom of expression which are guaranteed in the Congolese constitution. There must be no repeat of the violence of Jan. 21, when the government attacked peaceful protestors and ransacked churches, resulting the in the deaths of at least six civilians. The eyes of the world are watching, and if there is violence and oppression, President Kabila and his collaborators in violence should must be held accountable.”