DRC: Police disperse protesters in Kinshasa on May 27

Event

Local police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators gathered in Bandalungwa commune in Funa district (Kinshasa) on Wednesday, May 27, following the death of a high court judge involved in a political trial. Demonstrators gathered outside the residence of Judge Raphel Yanyi, president of the tribunal in the Vital Kamerhe trial. Reports indicate that the judge died at approximately 02:00 (local time) on Wednesday morning at the Nganda Hospital Center from a cardiac arrest.

Congolese police successfully dispersed the protests, and the situation returned to calm on Wednesday. Similar protests and associated disruptions should be anticipated over the near term.  

Advice

Individuals in Kinshasa are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.