26 Apr 2019 | 08:50 PM UTC
DRC: Former presidential candidate to hold rally in Kinshasa April 28
Former presidential to hold rally at Sainte-Thérèse Square in Kinshasa April 28; heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions expected around demonstration site
Event
Former presidential candidate Martin Fayulu plans to hold a rally at Sainte-Thérèse Square in the Ndjili municipality of Kinshasa on Sunday, April 28, upon his return to the country from a foreign tour. The rally is expected to begin around 10:00 (local time), although crowds may start to gather much earlier.
Crowded conditions, localized transportation disruptions, and a heightened security presence is expected; clashes between supporters of Fayulu and political rivals during and following the event cannot be ruled out.
Context
Martin Fayulu is a Congolese politician who ran in DRC's heavily disputed 2018 presidential elections. Fayulu ran on the Lamuka coalition ticket, ultimately losing to Félix Tshisekedi of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS). Fayulu rejected the results of the election as rigged, and called for votes to be recounted, although this was subsequently rejected by the courts.
Advice
Individuals in Kinshasa are advised to 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.
