DRC: Demonstrations in Kinshasa as opposition leader arrives Aug. 1 /update 1

Event

Tens of thousands of people rallied near the N'djili Airport (FIH) in Kinshasa on Wednesday, August 1, to support the return of former Vice President and leader of the Movement for the Liberation of the Congo (MLC), Jean-Pierre Bemba. According to local media, police fired tear gas and live ammunition over the crowd and one person was reportedly killed after being struck by a vehicle. MLC leaders have called on supporters to rally throughout Kinshasa in support of Bemba, who will be submitting his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election in December. Further demonstrations are possible in the coming days and weeks. Heightened security measures, including an increased police deployment and crowded conditions are anticipated in Kinshasa in the near-term, notably between N'djili Airport (FIH) and the Notre-Dame de Lingwala Cathedral.

Context

Bemba was the runner-up to current President Joseph Kabila in the 2006 election. He was arrested in Brussels in May 2008 after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant on charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes. In 2016 the ICC sentenced Bemba to 12 years in prison for war crimes committed by his militia in the Central African Republic. However, the ICC acquitted and released Bemba in June 2018 after ruling that he could not be held criminally liable for crimes committed by militiamen because he could not influence their actions.

Presidential elections are scheduled to be held on December 23. The DRC remains gripped by a political crisis stemming from Kabila's refusal to step down after his term expired in December 2016.

Advice

Individuals 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.