DRC: High tensions in Mbuji-Mayi December 13

Event

Clashes with security forces were reported in Mbuji-Mayi (Kasai-Oriental province) as of Thursday, December 13, as supporters of the CACH (Cap pour le Changement) opposition coalition candidate, Felix Tshisekedi, massively gathered at the local airport to welcome their candidate. At least one person was reportedly killed in the clashes. Further unrest is possible as Tshisekedi and other political candidates hold campaign events ahead of the December 23 national elections.

Context

Several political clashes erupted during political events held ahead of the December 23 elections, notably in Kalemie, Lubumbashi, Tshikapa, and Kindu. At least five people died on December 11-12 during campaign events in Lubumbashi and Kalemie.

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.