Congolese opposition defends protests against referendum on president's 3rd term

Opposition parties in the Republic of Congo on Wednesday defended protests against an upcoming referendum on whether the president can run for a third term.

The opposition said the protests and consequent clashes were a result of "the anger of the people", not mobilized by them.

"We did not ask people to go and break into police stations. What is happening is the anger of the people," Paul-Marie Mpouele, head of the FROCAD party told a press conference in Brazzaville.

He urged President Denis Sassou N'Guesso to suspend the referendum.

Violent protests broke out on Tuesday in major cities and towns across the country after the opposition urged a rejection of Sunday's referendum.

Mpouele denied responsibility for alleged robberies by their supporters, but said the protesters were under their control.

"Our supporters have not been instructed to erect barricades. But they remain under our control. The evidence is that they are not looting," he said.

He accused the government of lacking tolerance and called for restraint from the police.

"We appeal for restraint from the security officers to allow the political process to take its course. What we are witnessing is the lack of tolerance from the government which does not want people to express their opinion," he said.

Under the country's current constitution, Sassou N'Guesso, whose second term ends in August 2016, has to leave office.

The referendum aims to push through constitutional amendments to allow him to run for office again. Enditem