DRC: Further demonstrations expected August 3-4 /update 2

Event

Opposition leader and former governor of Katanga, Moïse Katumbi, plans to arrive in Lubumbashi on Friday, August 3, and travel to Kinshasa on August 4 to submit his candidacy for the presidential election in December. Another presidential hopeful and leader of the Movement for the Liberation of the Congo (MLC), Jean-Pierre Bemba, will be traveling to Gemena on August 4. Demonstrations are expected to take place in these locations; anticipate heightened security and localized traffic disruptions. Clashes between supporters of the opposition leaders and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Moïse Katumbi has been in self-imposed exile since 2016 after being convicted in absentia on charges of a fraudulent property transaction, along with a number of other charges, which he claims are politically motivated. Jean-Pierre Bemba, recently acquitted of war crimes, returned to the country on August 1 and was greeted by tens of thousands of supporters; the rallies subsequently led to violent clashes with police.

Presidential elections, previously set to be held by the end of 2017, 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 abovementioned areas, 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.