DRC: “Ville morte” partially observed across the country August 8

Event

Media sources reported that the “ville morte” (general strike) called for by the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) opposition party was partially observed throughout the country on Tuesday, August 8. UDPS supporters reportedly blocked roads with burning tires and rocks in Goma. Police officers used tear gas to disperse the crowd as they attempted to hold a rally. Public transportation was also disrupted and a number of businesses were closed. In Lubumbashi, protesters and security forces clashed in the Apolo neighborhood. According to media reports, many of the business in the capital city of Kinshasa remained closed and fewer vehicles were seen on the roads.

The strike is scheduled to last through Wednesday, August 9. Additional violence may occur between protesters and security forces. Expect increased security measures and potential business disruptions.

Context

The current crisis stems from allegations that President Joseph Kabila is attempting to retain control of the presidency despite constitutional limits. President Kabila has been in power since 2001 and refused to step down after his term expired in December 2016. Under a deal struck between the government and the opposition, elections were scheduled to take place before the end of 2017. However, on July 9, the electoral commission announced that a presidential vote would "probably not be possible" this year. The government has repeatedly blamed both budgetary constraints and continued violence for delays in scheduling the election.

In addition, insecurity linked to the presence of armed groups and corresponding military operations persists in the eastern and central areas of the country. Kasai, Kasai Central, and Kasai Oriental provinces have been wracked by violence, with ongoing clashes frequent between the Kaminwa Nsapu militia and government forces. The security situation in eastern DRC, including North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, is also volatile as a result of numerous rebel groups and armed criminal gangs operating in the region. As the political process in Kinshasa stalls, grievances over socioeconomic and political conditions could exacerbate intercommunal violence throughout the country. There is an increased risk of civic unrest and violent crackdowns by security forces in urban areas across the country, including the capital Kinshasa.

Advice

Individuals present in the DRC are advised to monitor local developments, to maintain a high degree of situational awareness, and to avoid all rallies and demonstrations due to the risk of violence.

More generally, a number of Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the east and northeast of the country for various security reasons.