DRC: Violent protest in Lubumbashi April 8

Event

Clashes between supporters of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) and the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) are taking place at the Provincial Assembly building in Lubumbashi as of Monday, April 8. The reason behind the clashes remains unknown but is likely related to the March 15 local elections. A heightened security presence has been deployed in the area, with police forces firing tear gas to disperse the crowd; however, tension remains high in the area.

A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are to be expected over the coming hours and days.

Context

President Felix Tshisekedi's Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UPDS) party failed to receive a majority in local elections on March 15; former President Joseph Kabila's coalition Common Front for Congo (FCC) - to which the PPRD belongs - won roughly two-thirds in the country's senate. On election day, clashes were reported in Kinshasa and Kasai-Oriental province, with at least one person killed in the unrest.  

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, and adhere to all instructions issued by their home government and local authorities.