DRC: Nationwide protests to oust president planned for August 12-14 /update 1

Event

Leaders of the Roman Catholic organization the Lay Coordination Committee (CLC) have announced plans for nationwide protests calling for President Joseph Kabila to resign to take place on August 12 through August 14. The protests are set to occur days after the August 8 deadline to accept candidates for the presidential election, scheduled for December 23. The CLC accuses Kabila of breaching the constitution by intending to run for a third term and views his government as a threat to credible and transparent elections.

Context

The DRC is currently in the midst of a political crisis that stems from Kabila's refusal to step down after his term expired in December 2016. At the end of 2017, the CLC organized similar, anti-Kabila demonstrations that led to a violent crackdown by security forces that reportedly left at least 15 people dead.

Advice

Individuals in the DRC during this time 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.