17 Dead in Anti-Government Protests in Kinshasa

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-37406407

At least 17 people in Kinshasa, DRC have died in protests calling for the president, Joseph Kabila, to step down. The implications of this event are more apparent when they are viewed in the context of the current political climates in many African countries at this point in time. For the past few years, anti-government protests calling for the resignation of unwanted leaders have become increasingly common. This article was of particular interest to me because there are huge implications for the economics and citizens of many of these affected nations. This increase in government instability is, unsurprisingly, a deterrent for potential foreign investment into national economies in need of assistance (this includes both public and private investment). I also found it interesting to think that many of these countries have some of the highest unemployment rates in the world, and their involvement in demonstrations for government leaders to step down are one of the ways in which they are trying to start a process which will improve their livelihoods. However, it is ironic that these very protests are seen as a sign of political instability and often tend to dissuade outside investment, which would, all things being equal, play a part in increasing the overall well-being and quality of life in the country.