16 Jan 2019 | 11:24 AM UTC
DRC: Tensions persisting following provisional election results /update 14
Political tensions persist January 16 following the release of the general election results; avoid all gatherings
Event
Political tensions persist throughout the country as of Wednesday, January 16, following the release of the provisional general election results on January 10. Opposition candidate Felix Tshisekedi was declared winner of the presidential elections with 38.57 percent of the vote, while the legislative elections were won by the FFC (Front Commun pour le Changement) coalition, led by former President Joseph Kabila. Martin Fayulu of the Lamuka oppsition coalition has rejected the results and filed a request to the Consitutional Court, which should release the official results within the next eight days. According to the electoral commission, the presidential inauguration should take place on January 22.
While the overall security situation remains calm after several days of election-related unrests in various cities across the country during which at least 18 people were killed, further protests are possible in the coming days in the capital Kinshasa and other urban centers, particularly when the official results will be released. Clashes between rival political supporters and with security forces are likely.
Many western governments have advised their nationals to postpone any travel to the DRC at least until the end of January.
Context
DRC held general elections on December 30 to choose a successor to President Joseph Kabila, who is ineligible to run for another term. There were numerous allegations of electoral fraud and voter intimidation and several people were killed in election-related violence. Fayulu obtained 34.83 percent of the vote, while Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary candidate of the ruling FCC coalition obtained 23.84 percent of the vote. Meanwhile, the vote is still due to take place in March in Beni, Butembo, and Yumbi where it was postponed due to security and health issues.
Advice
Individuals in the DRC are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all public demonstrations due to the risk of violence and arrest, refrain from discussing political topics in public, adhere to all instructions issued by their home government and local authorities.
