The U.S embassy in Kinshasa has closed following what it terms as a “possible terrorist threat”.
In a statement, the embassy said it had received credible and specific information of a possible terrorist threat against US Government facilities in Kinshasa.
The embassy has urged U.S citizens to keep a low profile as it assesses the threat.
“US citizens in Kinshasa and throughout the DRC are strongly encouraged to maintain a heightened level of vigilance and practice good situational awareness. Monitor local media for updates,” reads part of the statement.
Public Notice: The U.S. Embassy Kinshasa will be closed to the public on November 26.
We are closely following reports of threats against U.S. government facilities in Kinshasa. For detailed information, please click https://t.co/TixGZdRilP@StateDept pic.twitter.com/wC9s7jR3ui— U.S.Embassy Kinshasa (@USEmbKinshasa) November 25, 2018
The Democratic Republic of Congo is expected to hold elections on December 23 with campaigns now in high gear.
Voters on December 23 will choose a successor to outgoing President Joseph Kabila, who has constitutionally remained in power as caretaker leader even though his second and final elected term ended nearly two years ago.
The United States has called for credible elections amid controversy over the use of electronic voting machines.
At stake in the vote is the political future of a mineral-rich country that has never known a peaceful transition of power since independence from Belgium in 1960.
Eastern DR Congo is ravaged by decades of inter-ethnic bloodshed and militia violence, as well as a deadly Ebola outbreak, testing a large UN peacekeeping mission deployed in the country.
