Internet restored in conflict-torn Congo after three days

Kinshasa, January 2: Conflict-torn African country Congo got back its internet service on Tuesday after three days. The ongoing protest against Congolese President Joseph Kabila has even claimed few lives during the protest. Citing reasons of state security, Congolese minister of telecommunications, Emery Okundji, ordered mobile operators to cut internet and SMS services.

“The Secretary-General calls on the Government and national security forces to exercise restraint and to uphold the rights of the Congolese people to the freedom of speech and peaceful assembly,” UN earlier said in a statement.

He went on to urge all Congolese political actors to remain fully committed to the 31 December 2016 political agreement which according to him remains the only viable path to the holding of elections, the peaceful transfer of power and the consolidation of stability in the DRC.

Since its independence from Belgium, the country never witnessed a peaceful transition of power. Despite being gifted with minerals, the country could not develop due to political conflicts. With the announcement of postponing Presidential polls, the violence has increased recently more.