19 Dec 2023 | 10:17 PM UTC
DRC: General election scheduled Dec. 20 prompts air, land, and sea border closure; domestic flights suspended /update 1
Authorities to close land, sea and air borders in DRC from 00:01-23:39 Dec. 20 due to general elections. Domestic flights suspended.
Authorities in the DRC will close all air, land, and sea borders from 00:01-23:59 on Dec. 20 due to general elections. Officials have stated domestic flights have been suspended; however, international flights are unaffected. The general election will allow voters to elect the country’s president, national, provincial, and other local representatives. Political gatherings and related disruptions are increasingly likely as the election nears. Election periods have proven tense in the past and are usually accompanied by an increased risk of political violence due to fierce competition to access elected positions at the national and local levels.
An increased security presence, as well as road traffic and business disruptions, are likely in the vicinity of political events and near polling stations on election day. Significant incidents of violence, clashes with security forces, opposing rival activists, and other forms of politically-related violence are possible during the election period and in the aftermath. Officials may impose restrictive measures, such as temporary curfews, exit/entry restrictions, and internet/phone service shutdowns to prevent violence or in the event of significant unrest.
Remain apprised of the political situation and avoid discussing political topics in public. Allow extra time for travel amid the election period. Monitor local media for details concerning political gatherings, as organizers may not announce plans in advance. Avoid political gatherings due to possible clashes and polling stations on election day. If violence occurs nearby, immediately leave the area and seek shelter at a safe nongovernment building. Reconfirm flight status if flying into and out of DRC on Dec. 20. If traveling through a border crossing, consider deferring the trip. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
The main contesters of the presidential race in a single-round election are Incumbent President Félix Tshisekedi, Moïse Katumbi, Martin Fayulu, and Denis Mukwege, among 20 or so candidates.
Political tensions are elevated due to concerns surrounding the proper organization of the election and the transparency of the electoral commission (CENI). In addition, the precarious security situation (communal violence, rival militias, armed groups in the east) will likely prevent voting in parts of the country, raising a lack of legitimacy for the new president-elect and threatening the country’s stability. Claims of fraud and the rejection of the results by losing candidates may also inflame tensions as witnessed after the 2018 elections.
