DRC: Students and police clash in Kinshasa Nov. 13

Event

Clashes between a group of students from the Higher Institute of Applied Technology (ISTA) and police were reported on the morning of Monday, November 13. Police reportedly used tear gas and warning shots to disperse the crowd, who had gathered to demand the release of three students who have been detained since September.

Context

Several students were arrested on September 25 during an anti-government protest held in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kinshasa, organized by the civil society movement Lutte pour le Changement (LUCHA). Numerous other related protests have been held at universities in the capital and across the country in recent weeks, including the University of Kinshasa and the National Pedagogical University (UPN). Opposition parties have called for further for protests to take place nationwide on Wednesday, November 15, and Tuesday, November 28, to denounce the recently announced election calendar. The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) announced on November 5 that long-awaited presidential, legislative, regional, and local elections would not take place until December 23, 2018. The opposition coalition, which enjoys the support of many students, has denounced the timeframe, insisting that current President Joseph Kabila leave office by the end of 2017, that a transitional administration be put in place immediately, and that presidential elections held in January 2018.

Advice

Individuals present in the DRC 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.

Expect increased security measures as well as business and transportation disruptions during planned demonstrations over coming weeks. Violence is possible between protesters and security forces.