DR Congo, Belgium in new diplomatic spat

The move comes on the heels of Belgian and EU protests over a crackdown on rallies against President Joseph Kabila.

In a press statement issued late Wednesday, the foreign ministry said the government wanted the “dismantling” of a consular arrangement in Kinshasa.

Under it, Belgium handles visa requests for the European Union’s border-free Schengen zone.

The government also wants the “immediate cessation” of activities by Belgium’s new development agency, Enabel, the ministry said.

The measures are in response to “a series of measures” restricting bilateral cooperation announced on January 10 by the Belgian government, the statement said.

“It was with surprise and indignation that the government learned about these measures through the press, by-passing all diplomatic traditions,” it said.

In its January 10 statement, the Belgian government said it would carry out a “fundamental revision” of cooperation with the DRC until “credible elections” were held.

The EU has likewise been a highly vocal critic of Kabila, repeatedly warning him against pursuing a crackdown ahead of delayed elections this year.

The United Nations, Britain, France, the United States and the association of francophone nations have also voiced deep concern.

The latest violence flared last Sunday, when security forces opened fire on Catholic-organised rallies, killing six, injuring scores of others and arresting dozens, according to figures released by the UN mission MONUSCO.

Kabila, 46, has been in power since 2001, at the helm of a regime widely criticised for corruption, repression and incompetence.

His constitutional term in office expired in December 2016 but he stayed on, under laws enabling him to remain office until his successor is elected.

Under a deal brokered on December 31 2016 by the powerful Catholic Church, Kabila agreed that new elections would be held by the end of 2017.

The authorities late last year postponed the election until December 23 2018, citing what they said were logistical problems in preparing for the vote.