DRC: Unrest possible over rising prices

Event

An increase in prices and currency inflation has caused tensions throughout the DRC as the value of the Congolese franc has dropped significantly over the past few months. In late 2016, one US dollar was worth 1000 francs, however in 2017, one dollar is worth 1500 francs.

Unrest over the deteriorating financial situation is possible. Several labor unions have lodged protests with the Congolese government.

Context

The DRC has been struggling under a political crisis brought on by President Joseph Kabila insistence on remaining in power beyond the end of his term, originally slated for December 20, 2016; the current situation has led to repeated incidents of violence between security forces and angry residents. An agreement to co-manage the country and end the crisis was signed on December 31 between the political majority and the opposition, under the auspices of the Congolese episcopate. The agreement provided for the organization of the presidential election at the end of 2017, which remains uncertain given the difficulty to reach a final agreement between all political parties.  A national union government was supposed to be put in place before the electoral census began, with a post of prime minister entrusted to the opposition coalition, the creation of a National Council for the Supervision of the December 31 Agreement and of the electoral process (CNSA), as well as the creation of a commission of high magistrates in charge of easing political tensions. However, major differences remained between all the parties regarding these issues, undermining the prospect of a successful resolution to the crisis. The death of prominent political opponent Etienne Tshisekedi on February 1 further disrupted the negotiations.

Advice

Individuals present in the DRC are advised to monitor local media for updates and to avoid all political events and public gatherings as violence may flare up without warning.

Due to these and other security concerns, many Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu (particularly outside the cities of Goma and Bukavu), as well as the northeast portion of Eastern province and the northern part of Katanga due to the presence of armed groups. Certain governments also advise against nonessential travel to the rest of the country.