DRC: Second memorial for opposition leader in Kinshasa Feb. 2 /update 1

Event

A second commemorative mass to pay tribute to former opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi is expected to take place at the Notre-Dame du Congo Cathedral in the capital Kinshasa at 13:30 (local time) on Friday, February 2. Political demonstrations are likely to follow and social unrest related to the demonstrations cannot be ruled out. Heightened security measures are to be expected in the vicinity of the event.

A related mass held the day prior at the same location degenerated into localized clashes between Tshisekedi supporters and security forces, who used tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Context

February 1 marked the one-year anniversary of Tshisekedi’s death. Widespread unrest followed his death in Brussels (Belgium) - particularly in Kinshasa's Limete district - over the repeatedly delayed repatriation and burial of the body, which remains in Brussels.

The DRC is currently in the midst of a political crisis that 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 - for which Tshisekedi played a primary role - long-awaited presidential, legislative, regional, and local elections were supposed to take place before the end of 2017. However, in November 2017, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) announced that elections would not be held until December 23, 2018.

Advice

Individuals present in the DRC, particularly in Kinshasa, 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.