DRC: US Embassy warns of terrorist threat ahead of elections

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The US Embassy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) warned on Saturday that is had received “credible and specific information of a possible terrorist threat” against US facilities in Kinshasa.

The embassy closed its doors on Monday as a result of the perceived threat and advised US citizens in the DRC to be extra vigilant. The embassy also warned of the heightened potential of unrest in the country in the build-up to next month’s highly- anticipated presidential elections.

‘Possible terrorist threat’

“US citizens in Kinshasa and throughout the DRC are strongly encouraged to maintain a heightened level of vigilance and practice good situational awareness,” the US Embassy said in a statement on Saturday.

“Keep a low profile and notify friends and family of your safety,” it also advised.

The embassy didn’t offer any details about where its “credible and specific information” came from but tensions are particularly high in the DRC as it gears up for presidential elections on December 23.

At the same time, the country is grappling with the worst Ebola outbreak in its history and fighting between militant groups has made it difficult for health workers to contain the outbreak and treat patients.

Featured image: https://cd.usembassy.gov

About Aaron Brooks

Aaron Brooks is a UK journalist who wants to cut out the international agendas in news. Spending his early years in both England and Northern Ireland he saw the difference between reality and media coverage at an early age. After graduating from the University of Chester with a BA in journalism, his travels revealed just how large the gap between news and the real world can be. As Editor-in-Chief at East Africa Monitor, it’s his job to provide a balanced view of what’s going on in the region for English-speaking audiences.