Industry monitors DRC violence

South Africans operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been advised to remain vigilant following widespread violent demonstrations in the capital of Kinshasa. The DRC has been in upheaval since mid January following the adoption of a draft electoral law by the National Assembly in the country. Whilst it is still under review there has been a massive outcry, especially amongst opposition parties, as the new law will effectively delay the 2016 presidential election ensuring President Joseph Kabila remains in power beyond his current mandate. Nearly 30 people have been killed and countless others injured in clashes. Paul Runge, CEO of Africa Project Access, told FTW the situation was concerning. “It is advisable for countries to keep a very close watch on what is happening and around the political instability,” he said. “What makes the situation worrying is that we are seeing incidents in areas in the country that have always been very stable, such as the Katanga province.” He said with reported incidents in the capital of Lubumbashi the situation was a worry. “Katanga is the South African hunting ground and has not always experienced the same issues as in Kinshasa and elsewhere in the country. It is not a province in which it is easy to rebel. But we have seen several incidents there and that is a concern.” Runge said the latest violence in the DRC capital was being monitored closely and while it was not yet affecting projects and operations in the country, there was a sense of niggle settling in. It is a sentiment echoed across the world with even the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon saying he was concerned over the fast deteriorating situation in the country. INSERT & CAPTION While the violence is not yet affecting projects and operations in the country, there is a sense of niggle settling in. – Paul Runge