Presidential candidates Félix Tshiseked and Moïse Katumbi have taken the battle for votes in Kananga, in the Kasai Central province a stronghold for the incurmbent president.
According to witness accounts, the situation on ground is tense as there are expectations for clashes between supporters from the rival camps.
John Kabeya, the governor of Kasai-Central has promised the population that the two candidates are well protected.
He added that the security forces, including the Congolese National Police, the Army, the National Intelligence Agency and the General Directorate of Migration, have taken the necessary measures to avoid any clashes between supporters of the two camps.
Kananga has experienced episodes of violence against opposition candidates in the past.
Last July, the arrival of national deputy Delly Sesanga, now a supporter of Moïse Katumbi, was marked by violent incidents, with the deputy hit in the head by a projectile.
Last October, Governor Kabeya affirmed that the electorate of Kasaï Central was mainly won by Félix Tshisekedi.
Moïse Katumbi begins this stage of his campaign in Kasai after the violence reported during his meeting in Muanda in the Kongo Central province, where several injuries were reported.
The situation remains tense, and security is reinforced for the candidates’ visit to Kananga.