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Normalcy returns to Republic of Congo capital after protests

Xinhua, October 22, 2015 Adjust font size:

Normalcy is slowly returning to the Republic of Congo capital, Brazzaville, after violent protests that were witnessed Tuesday between supporters and opponents of a constitutional referendum.

The deadly violence was witnessed in the southern and southwest suburbs of the capital where acts of looting were reported on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Early Wednesday morning, youths began erecting barricades along the major streets to prevent movement in the capital.

Police officers who had been deployed to restore order were sometimes forced to use tear gas to disperse the protesters. In those suburbs, businesses and schools remained closed since Tuesday.

A lot of destruction of private and public properties, including three police stations, was reported.

Appeals for calm from the public authorities have intensified. Interior Minister Raymond Zephirin Mboulou who spoke on the national broadcaster, urged members of the public to continue with their normal activities.

Official sources said the protests witnessed in most major towns had left four people dead and several others injured.

The Congolese people will vote on Oct. 25 in a constitutional referendum on a new constitution that proposes a semi-presidential regime of two five-year terms, instead of the current two seven-year terms.

The radical opposition has opposed the constitutional referendum, arguing that it will give incumbent President Denis Sassou N'Guesso the possibility of contesting for another term in 2016 when his second and final term will be ending.

On the other hand, the moderate opposition has noted that a closer analysis of the proposed constitution shows it is an improved document as it introduces the post of prime minister, it reinforces the prestige and authority of parliament, introduces devolution of resources, abolishes death penalty and institutionalizes opposition leadership as well as political dialogue.

In this regard, the moderate opposition group is campaigning for a "Yes" vote in the referendum. Endit