DRC: Nationwide protests November 15 /update 1

Event

Supporters of the political opposition are staging protests in several cities of the country - including Goma, and Bukavu - as of Wednesday morning, November 15, following calls to denounce the recently-announced electoral calendar. Tensions are high as police reportedly threatened to repress all gatherings “without mercy,” despite UN calls to respect fundamental freedoms of assembly. As such, increased security measures as well as business and transportation disruptions are expected during the demonstrations. Violence between protesters and security forces is likely.

In Goma, sporadic gunshots were heard early in the morning in the western part of the city. Police used tear gas to disperse a crowd of protesters, and a number of arrests were made. In Bukavu, the situation is reportedly calm with schools, markets, and shops remaining open. In Lubumbashi, the mayor called on residents not to take the streets; many shops and businesses remain closed, roads are empty, and an increased security presence is reported. In Kinshasa, the situation is calm with increased security forces deployed throughout the city. In Kananga, an increased security presence is also reported; while the situation remains calm for now, clashes between security forces and protesters are likely as opposition supporters vowed to demonstrate despite a ban on the demonstration issued by the mayor.

Context

The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) announced on November 5 that long-awaited presidential, legislative, regional, and local elections would take place on December 23, 2018. The opposition coalition has denounced the timeframe, insisting that current President Joseph Kabila leave office by the end of 2017, that a transitional administration be put in place immediately, and that presidential elections be held in January 2018.

The current political crisis stems from Kabila's refusal to step down after his term expired in December 2016. Under a deal struck between the government and the opposition, elections were supposed to take place before the end of 2017.

Advice

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