DRC: Opposition leader to return to country August 1

Event

The Movement for the Liberation of the Congo (MLC) announced on Tuesday, July 24, that former Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba would return to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday, August 1. Bemba is expected to arrive in capital Kinshasa and submit his candidacy for the upcoming December presidential election. MLC leaders have called for supporters to rally in the capital to welcome Bemba back to the country. Heightened security measures, including an increased police deployment and crowded conditions are anticipated in Kinshasa, notably between N'djili Airport (FIH) and the Notre-Dame de Lingwala Cathedral. 

Context

Bemba was the runner up to current President Joseph Kabila in the 2006 election. He was arrested in Brussels in May 2008 after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant on charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes. In 2016 the ICC sentenced Bemba to 12 years in prison for war crimes committed by his militia in the Central African Republic. However, the ICC acquitted and released Bemba in June 2018 after ruling that he could not be held criminally liable for crimes committed by militiamen because he could not influence their actions.

Presidential elections are scheduled to be held on December 23. The DRC is currently in the midst of a political crisis that stems from Kabila's refusal to step down after his term expired in December 2016.

Advice

Individuals in the DRC, particularly in Kinshasa are advised to monitor the situation, maintain a high degree of situational awareness, and avoid all rallies and demonstrations due to the risk of violence.