The protests were biggest in Kinshasa and the eastern city of Goma
The
Democratic Republic of Congo senate has amended a controversial census
bill following four days of violent nationwide protests.
The new version, to be approved by the lower house, removes the requirement to hold a census before the next election. The opposition had said this was a way for President Joseph
Kabila to extend his time in office rather than stand down next year as
planned.
Hundreds of students took to the streets to celebrate the news.
Human rights groups say that dozens of people have been
killed during the protests. The government puts the figure at 12 - a
policeman shot by a sniper and 11 looters killed by security guards.
There were violent protests in Kinshasa and the eastern city of Goma
"We have listened to the street. That is why the vote today is a
historic vote," Senate President Leon Kenga Wa Dondo said after the
amendment was passed.
The BBC's Maud Jullien in the capital, Kinshasa, says it is
uncommon for the senate to vote against the government in this way - the
last time was 2010.
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