DRC: Calm returns to Kinshasa Jan. 1 /update 4

Event

Calm has reportedly returned to the capital Kinshasa since Monday, January 1, following violent clashes between security forces and anti-Kabila protesters the day prior, during which at least seven protesters were killed. Internet and SMS services are also expected to be restored on Tuesday, after being cut by authorities on December 30.

Additional protests are possible, and continued heightened security measures and associated traffic disruptions are expected in Kinshasa and other Congolese cities in the coming days.

Context

Congolese security forces killed at least seven protesters participating in anti-Kabila demonstrations in Kinshasa on Sunday, December 31. Another anti-Kabila protester was reportedly killed in Kananga (Lulua province) on Sunday. At least 123 people had been arrested across the country amid the crackdown as of Sunday, according to UN observers. Congolese authorities ordered internet and SMS services to be cut from 18:00 (local time) on Saturday until further notice, in advance of Sunday's planned protests. Police erected roadblocks in several parts of Kinshasa on Saturday that remained in place as of Sunday, restricting access to churches and other notable public spaces in several neighborhoods to block the organization of protests in the areas. Police also reportedly disrupted gatherings at churches in Bandalungwa, Lingwala, and Barumbu districts of Kinshasa.

Kinshasa Governor Andre Kimbuta announced on December 30 that demonstrations planned by Catholic activists and other opposition and civil society organizations for December 31 would not be authorized in the city because there were not enough police officers to provide security. Kimbuta also claimed that the organizers did not provide necessary information about the march route. December 31 marks the one year anniversary of the 2016 political agreement, under which elections were supposed to take place in 2017.

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.