DRC: Violent nationwide protests November 30 /update 3

Event

Supporters of the political opposition coalition, Rassemblement des forces politiques et sociales acquises au changement (RASSOP), are staging protests in several cities, including in the capital Kinshasa, on Thursday, November 30.

In Kinshasa, police have reportedly used tear gas to disperse protesters gathered in front of the Rassemblement leader’s house. The opposition was expected to march throughout the city and then hold a rally in an open space between Boulevard Triomphale and Avenue de l'Enseignement (across from the Stade des Martyrs), according to the opposition leader spokesperson. However, it is unclear if they will be able to do so due to the increased police presence and heavy-handed police response. Police also reportedly arrested at least ten protesters near the University of Kinshasa (Unikin).

In Goma (North Kivu) police also dispersed protesters with tear gas. All shops in the city are reportedly closed and road traffic disrupted. In Kananga (Kasai-Central) and Uvira (South Kivu) - where shops, banks, institutions, and schools are closed - police reportedly dispersed protesters using live ammunition, injuring several, and have carried out arrests. Some protesters were also arrested in Kalemie (Taganyika).

An increased security presence is to be anticipated in all affected cities and further violence between opposition protesters and police is possible.

Context

Police arrested members of the LUCHA youth group protesting in Goma and Butembo (North Kivu province) on Tuesday, November 28. The protest was carried out despite a ban on the demonstrations, issued on November 26, due to the risk of violence.

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

However, on November 5, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) announced that elections would be set to take place one year after this deadline, on December 23, 2018. The opposition coalition has denounced the timeframe, insisting that Kabila leave office by the end of 2017 and demanding a transitional administration be put in place immediately and presidential elections be held in January 2018.

Advice

The US Embassy in Kinshasa has advised individuals planning to fly to or from Kinshasa on November 30 to consider rescheduling their trips due to likely transportation disruptions around the airport. Potentially impacted travelers are advised to contact their airlines directly for further information.

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.