DRC: Political clashes in Kalemie December 12 /update 1

Event

Armed supporters of the ruling People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) party reportedly opened fire on a group of opposition supporters ahead of presidential candidate Martin Fayulu's campaign stop in Kalemie (Tanganyika province) on Wednesday, December 12. According to local reports, supporters of the PPRD party fired on Lamuka opposition supporters as they gathered at the Kisebwe intersection. Fayulu was scheduled to hold a rally at the nearby Benda stadium. Further unrest is possible at Fayulu campaign events ahead of national elections on December 23.

Context

At least two people died on December 11 during a Fayulu campaign event in Lubumbashi (Haut-Katanga province) after security forces opened fire on Lamuka supporters.

The DRC will hold presidential and legislative elections on December 23. President Kabila, whose term ended in 2016 but has remained in power due to election delays, announced he will not seek reelection in 2018 and has endorsed Interior Minister Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary.

Advice

Individuals in the DRC are advised to monitor the political situation, avoid all protests and political demonstrations due to the risk of violence and arrest, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, and refrain from discussing sensitive political topics in public.