DRC: Assembly maintains 1:00 pm start time despite Kabuya’s request

The Bureau of the National Assembly of the DRC has confirmed that the ordinary session scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, will commence at 1:00 pm, rejecting the request from Deputy Augustin Kabuya to postpone the ceremony to the evening for security reasons.

A statement released on Sunday confirms that the plenary session will take place in the Congress Hall of the Palais du Peuple. This September session is primarily dedicated to reviewing the state budget.

Augustin Kabuya, a national deputy and Secretary General of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress, had requested a shift to the evening, citing risks of tensions and disruptions related to the sit-in announced by the C64 coalition on September 15 near the Parliament.

The C64 claims it intends to protest against the referendum law and the proposed constitutional changes. As the gathering approaches, the National Human Rights Commission has urged authorities to prevent incidents and ensure the peaceful exercise of the right to protest.

The session also occurs within a political context marked by the launch of the organizing committee for the national dialogue. A segment of the opposition, including the C64, contests the chosen format and maintains its mobilization.

The government is expected to present the finance bill to Parliament by September 15 at the latest. The National Assembly then has forty days to review and adopt the budget.