Ntoto

[jamescfm]

Protests intensify after Ariel Umoja placed under house arrest
6 February 5610

Protestors gathered for a third consecutive night of demonstrations in Kiego last night to oppose the detention of Ariel Umoja by the Ntotoan authorities. Umoja, the eldest son of former president Kembo Umoja, was placed under house arrest alongside his Valruzian-born wife Małgorzata on Wednesday evening, following allegations of corruption. The move has been criticised by his supporters as an attempt by President Henry Kasa to eliminate opposition.

Kasa, who served as the country’s vice-president for over a decade, acceded to the presidency upon the death of Kembo Umoja at the end of last year. Under the constitution, he is entitled to serve the remainder of Umoja’s five year term. Despite his formal status as vice-president, Kasa was not widely perceived as Umoja’s natural successor. Ariel and Małgorzata have a loyal and committed base of support among the general public.

When the demonstrations began on Wednesday evening, the police warned there would be an “unwavering response” to any violent action by Umoja supporters. Despite the stern rhetoric, there have been no reported arrests in relation to the protests. Reports suggest they have been overwhelmingly peaceful.

As the public pressure on Kasa increases, the Ntotoan military leadership is reportedly considering its position. Throughout Kembo Umoja’s presidency, he was fiercely supported by the military due to his heavy investment in defence amid the country’s long civil war. Since his death, military leaders have appeared uninterested in the political contest between his potential successors. In recent days though, the Chief of the Defence Staff was reportedly concerned by the threat of the growing political instability.