Government bans activities of 13 political parties, including PPRD and LGD

The Congolese government has banned the activities of 13 political parties and groups throughout the country. The measure was set out in an official message signed on October 15 by Deputy Prime Minister for the Interior Jacquemain Shabani, directing administrative, security and intelligence authorities to enforce it immediately. The document does not state the reasons for the ban; the parties affected include the PPRD of former president Joseph Kabila and the LGD of former prime minister Matata Ponyo.