Ireland has issued a "Do Not Travel" warning for Democratic Republic of Congo
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has advised against all travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
A statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs outlines the reasons why travellers are being instructed to avoid the central African nation.
The announcement follows complications in the DRC after an election was held at the end of 2018. Provisional results were announced on 10 January and final results have not yet been announced. DRC's neighbouring countries are demanding a recount, alleging that the original vote was corrupt.
Civil action and protests are planned across the country, and previous electoral cycles have resulted in unrest and violence.
The statement reads: "If you decide to remain in DRC you should avoid travelling around Kinshasa and other large cities on and around days of planned protests, including to and from N'djili (Kinshasa) International airport.
"If protests are taking place you should monitor local media for updates, avoid moving around urban areas and stay indoors. If you encounter a demonstration you should leave the area immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt to watch or photograph demonstrations.
"You should also make contingency plans in the event of demonstrations, including keeping a stock of essential supplies and up-to-date travel documents and visas."
Should the situation worsen, it is entirely possible the commercial flights out of the country will be suspended.
Furthermore, there are confirmed outbreaks of Ebola in the North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
Ireland has no embassy in the DRC, but anyone in the country who needs assistance is advised to contact the Embassy in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania or the Consular Assistance Unit at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Dublin on +353 1 408 2000.
You can also try the embassies of other EU nations.
The full Department of Foreign Affairs alert can be read here.
