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THE Democratic Repuclic of Congo’s Senate has amended a controversial bill which unleashed deadly protests and triggered concern that President Kabila would prolong his stay in office. In a surprise move, DR Congo senators unanimously amended an electoral bill which stipulated that a national census must be conducted — in order to update the electoral roll — before elections are held.

The Senate’s amendment states that the electoral roll must now be updated in time for the 2016 elections, apparently giving the elections priority over the controversial census. After the Senate vote, a joint commission of both houses of parliament met to find a consensus on the bill.

But is doubtful whether this will defuse the anger of protesters who object to the census and who are worried that President Kabila — in office since 2001 — will be reluctant to relinquish power when his second mandate expires in 2016.

Violence erupted in the city of Goma in eastern DRC on Thursday when riot police fired on groups of several hundred protesters.

The unrest came after three days of deadly violence in the capital Kinshasa some 1,500 kilometers away.

One rights group — the International Federation of Human Rights — said 42 people had been killed and dozens wounded in the protests in the capital. The figures were challenged by the government which said 12 people had died.

His opponents suspect he is using delaying tactics to stay in power. The government has admitted that a census could delay elections at the end of 2016. — DW.de