14 Feb 2019 | 02:56 AM UTC
DRC: Political rally planned in Kinshasa February 15
UDPS party to hold a rally in Kinshasa on February 15 in support of president Félix Tshisekedi; heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions expected
Event
The Union pour la Démocratie et le Progrès Social (UDPS) party will hold a rally in Kinshasa on Friday, February 15, to celebrate its 37th anniversary and in support of President Félix Tshisekedi. The event will begin at 09:00 (local time) at Place Sainte Thérèse in the N'Djili area of the city. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected around the event.
Context
Félix Tshisekedi was inaugurated as president on January 24 after the DRC held long-awaited general elections on December 30, 2018, to choose a successor to President Joseph Kabila. There were numerous allegations of electoral fraud and voter intimidation and several people were killed in election-related violence. Opposition candidate Tshisekedi was declared winner of the presidential elections with 38.57 percent of the vote, followed by runner-up Martin Fayulu with 34.83 percent.
Advice
Individuals in Kinshasa 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, and adhere to all instructions issued by their home government and local authorities.
