Four killed in protest over plan to extend Congo Republic president’s rule

At least four protesters were killed in the capital of the Republic of Congo Tuesday as demonstrators defied a clampdown to protest at the president’s bid for a third term in office.  Police stations were attacked in the south of the city, an opposition stronghold, in the latest bout of violence to erupt against Sunday’s planned referendum on removing constitutional term limits for President Denis Sassou Nguesso, who has ruled the oil producer for all but five years since 1979.

The radical opposition promised to march on the presidential palace today so it’s logical security forces took steps to preserve the peace of our citizens, freedom of movement and the stability of the state.

Government spokesman Thierry Moungalla said Internet and phone services were crashed by high demand from users.

Ahead of the rally, tensions mounted quickly after the president’s office broadcast a message on radio and TV saying people were expected to work “as normal” and that gatherings were “banned”. Throughout the day in both Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, the country’s economic capital, mobile Internet and SMS messaging services were unavailable. Tensions have run high in both areas since four people were shot in Pointe-Noire by a police officer at a rally on Saturday. Under the current constitution, Sassou Nguesso, 72, is not able to run again because of his age and due to the fact that he has already served two seven-year terms. Both points are to be put to a popular vote on Sunday.

President Sassou Nguesso is organizing a coup d'etat, a constitutional coup d'etat.

Paulin Makaya, leader of the opposition United for Congo party,

Africa Congo