Haut-Katanga C64: Alleges Selective Protest Ban by Mayors

• The Coalition Article 64 (C64) in Haut-Katanga has accused city mayors of selectively enforcing public demonstration bans.
• This alleged selective application concerns restrictions on public gatherings within the province.
• The C64's complaint highlights concerns about unequal treatment regarding the right to assembly.

The potential for arbitrary restrictions based on the alleged selective enforcement of protest bans by city mayors could lead to legal challenges centered on the unequal application of the law.

The provincial coordination of the Coalition Article 64 (C64) in Haut-Katanga has publicly voiced concerns regarding the enforcement of public demonstration bans, specifically accusing city mayors within the province of applying these restrictions in a "selective" manner. This accusation, reported on September 22, 2026, points to an inconsistent approach by local authorities when regulating public gatherings.

The C64's complaint centers not on the existence of bans on public demonstrations themselves, but rather on how these prohibitions are administered. The group alleges that certain demonstrations are permitted while others are suppressed, suggesting an arbitrary or biased application of the rules. This alleged Haut-Katanga C64 selective protest ban raises questions about fairness and equal treatment under the law for various groups seeking to express themselves publicly.

In many jurisdictions, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, the right to public assembly is often balanced against the need to maintain public order and safety. Consequently, regulations or even temporary bans on public demonstrations can be implemented by authorities. However, the critical issue highlighted by the Coalition Article 64 is the alleged departure from impartial enforcement of such measures.

The accusation of a mayors selective protest ban Congo suggests that the discretion afforded to city mayors in managing public spaces and events may be being exercised in a way that favors certain groups or suppresses dissenting voices. While a DRC public demonstrations ban might be legally permissible under specific circumstances, its selective application fundamentally undermines the principles of justice and equality that underpin the right to assembly.

The alleged selective application of protest bans by city mayors in Haut-Katanga carries significant implications for the fundamental right to freedom of assembly. When restrictions are not applied uniformly, it creates an environment where the exercise of this right can be arbitrarily curtailed for certain individuals or organizations, while others are allowed to proceed unimpeded. This unequal treatment can stifle civic engagement and create a perception of bias within local governance.

Lawyers advising clients on public assembly or advocacy in Haut-Katanga should be acutely aware of these allegations. The potential for arbitrary restrictions based on the alleged selective enforcement of protest bans by city mayors could lead to legal challenges centered on the unequal application of the law. Ensuring that the Haut-Katanga freedom of assembly is protected requires transparent and consistent enforcement of all regulations pertaining to public gatherings.

Lawyers advising clients on public assembly or advocacy in Haut-Katanga should be aware of the alleged selective enforcement of protest bans by city mayors, which could lead to arbitrary restrictions or legal challenges based on unequal application of the law.

Source: Reporting based on information from Patient mar 22/09/2026 - 18:22 Politique