The Department of Foreign Affairs has issued a 'Do not travel' alert for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Elections took place in the country back in December and provisional results were announced on January 10th.
Opposition candidate Felix Tshisekedi was declared the winner, but another opponent of the current administration, Martin Fayulu, insists he won.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has said the country should recount the votes.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has said internet connections and mobile phone networks have been "reduced or cut off" since December 31st.
It said "the political and security situation for previous electoral cycles has seen sporadic bouts of unrest and violence."
"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."
Please see our latest travel advice for DR Congo. The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade advises against all travel to the country following elections on 30th December 2018. For further information, click the link below.https://t.co/J7PEs3A3bj pic.twitter.com/1oWvHU7kcu
— DFATravelWise (@dfatravelwise) January 14, 2019
"If protests are taking place you should monitor local media for updates, avoid moving around urban areas and stay indoors."
Anyone encountering a demonstration should leave the area immediately and "under no circumstances" attempt to watch or photograph it.
There are also confirmed outbreaks of Ebola in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
There is no resident Irish embassy in the DRC.
Anyone needing assistance is advised to contact the Irish embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania or the Consular Assistance Unit in Dublin on +353-1-408-2000.
