The residence of prominent opposition politician Moïse Katumbi, who finished second in the contentious elections held last month, was momentarily encircled by security forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Monday, he was not allowed to leave his residence in the southern region of Katanga, according to his spokeswoman Hervé Diakesse.
However, a local governor then ordered the security personnel to withdraw.
Mr. Katumbi has declared that President Félix Tshisekedi’s resounding win in the election held last month was a farce.
Martin Fayulu, the third-place finisher, is one of five opposition leaders who have called for a protest march against the election results.
Social media footage from Monday night show throngs of Kashobwe village people swarming to Mr. Katumbi’s house as word spread that security forces were keeping him from leaving.
One of Mr Katumbi’s relatives told newsmen that the home was surrounded by “heavily armed soldiers”.
“We are struggling to figure out why,” Mr Diakesse told reporters.
The security forces initially aimed to safeguard Mr. Katumbi’s property from potential vandalism during the 20 December election, which faced widespread logistical issues.
Some independent observers expressed concerns, with only one candidate challenging the results in court.
Others, lacking faith in the courts, urged the population to “resist electoral fraud” without providing specifics.
Mr. Tshisekedi secured 73% of the vote, Mr. Katumbi 18%, and Mr. Fayulu 5%, according to the election commission.
Western governments called for restraint, citing fears of post-election violence, while the UN’s Volker Turk voiced alarm over rising ethnic tension. Pre-election violence claimed nearly 20 lives.
