DRC: Deadly violence at anti-Kabila protests Jan. 21 /update 2

Event

According to the UN mission in the DRC (MONUSO), six people were killed and at least 50 injured when violence erupted at an anti-Kabila march organized by Catholic activists on Sunday, January 21, in the capital Kinshasa. The violence broke reportedly out in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral when security forces used tear gas and fired shots to disperse a crowd that had gathered. A police spokesperson reported that two officers were killed and nine injured. According to the Congolese Association for Justice (Acaj), 247 people were arrested, including religious leaders. An investigation is ongoing.

Marches also took place in the cities of Kisangani, Bukavu, and Goma. At least 11 people were injured in Kisangani and protesters were dispersed with tear gas in Goma.

Calm slowly returned to Kinshasa on Sunday night; however, tensions remain high throughout the city following the clashes. Further protests are likely in the coming weeks.

Context

The DRC is experiencing a political crisis that stems from President Joseph Kabila's refusal to step down after his term expired in December 2016. Similar anti-Kabila demonstrations planned by Catholic activists and other opposition and civil society organizations took place on December 31; clashes led to the deaths of at least seven protesters.

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, in November the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) announced that elections would be not be held until December 23, 2018. The opposition coalition denounced the timeframe, demanding that a transitional administration be put in place immediately and presidential elections be held in January 2018.

Advice

Individuals present in the DRC, particularly in Kinshasa, are advised to strictly avoid all protests and public gatherings due to the risk of violence and arrest, closely monitor the situation, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.