DRC: Several wounded in clashes in Tshikapa and Kindu December 8-9 /update 1

Event

At least six people were wounded in clashes between supporters of opposition parties in Tshikapa (Kasaï-Occidental) on Saturday, December 8. According to local sources, supporters of opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi's Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) reportedly threw stones at the convoy of Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, candidate of the ruling Common Front Coalition for Congo (FCC). Additionally, on Sunday, December 9, clashes erupted at Kindu Airport (KND) in Maniema province between supporters of Martin Fayulu, leader of the Lamuka opposition coalition, and supporters of the FCC; at least eight people sustained injuries. Further clashes between supporters of political parties is highly likely ahead of national elections on December 23. 

Context

The DRC will hold presidential and legislative elections on December 23. President Joseph 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.