Congo (DRC): Kinshasa: Avoid opposition rally on 27 September due to credible risk of unrest

From: Travel Security Online <intlsosandcontrolrisks@travelsecurity.com>
Date: Friday, September 19, 2014 at 17:36

Subject: Congo (DRC): Kinshasa: Avoid opposition rally on 27 September due to credible risk of unrest

Travel Security Online

19 Sep 2014

Congo (DRC): Kinshasa: Avoid opposition rally on 27 September due to credible risk of unrest The Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), Union for the Congolese Nation (UNC) and the Congolese People's Movement for the Republic (MPCR) opposition parties plan to stage a demonstration on 27 September in the capital Kinshasa. The march will proceed from the municipal stadium in Masina to Boulevard Lumumba, Boulevard Sendwe and Boulevard Triomphal (south of the Gombe area), and will end at Place du Cinquantenaire. Should the authorities ban the demonstration or protesters stray away from the approved route, there is a credible risk of localised clashes between protesters and the security forces; travellers should accordingly avoid the march route on the day. Travel Briefing The march is less likely to be banned by the authorities than a previous related rally on 13 September, which was prohibited as it coincided with another demonstration in the city. There is also likely to be a higher turnout at the upcoming march, as the protest campaign is supported by key opposition parties, as well as the powerful Conférence Episcopale National du Congo (CENCO), which are wary of President Joseph Kabila's suspected intention to modify the constitution to allow him to run for a third term in 2016. The proposed rally route means its impact on Kinshasa's main business district is likely to remain limited; however, it may result in some disruption on Boulevard Lumumba, the main road leading from the city centre to N'Djili International Airport. The security forces can be expected to use heavy-handed tactics if participants attempt to deviate from approved routes, and resultant clashes could pose incidental risks to bystanders. Travellers should therefore plan routes circumventing the march, allow ample time for travel in Kinshasa on the day and identify alternative routes for journeys to airport, should any detours be required. Outlook The influential CENCO group has, on several occasions in the past few months, expressed its opposition to any modification of Article 220 of the constitution, which limits the number and duration of presidential mandates. Should the government call a referendum on potential amendments, protests could grow in scale in the next few months, particularly in UDPS and the UNC strongholds in Kinshasa, such as Limete – where the UDPS headquarters is located – and Masina. Government spokesman Lambert Mende on 18 September stated that the authorities did not rule out seeking a constitutional revision, but that any related referendum would be held concomitantly to local elections scheduled for 2015. Background Interior Minister Richard Muyej and National Assembly Speaker Aubin Minaku suggested in July that a constitutional revision would be in the interest of the people if supported by a popular referendum. In recent months, the authorities have adopted a tough attitude towards the opposition, disrupting some UNC meetings; a UNC leader was arrested after a protest march on 4 August for criticising Kabila. Several activists were injured and others were arrested on 13 September when the security forces used tear gas to disperse an unauthorised opposition gathering in the Gombe area. The police used similar measures to break up related gatherings in Butembo (North Kivu province), Bukavu (South Kivu province) and Masi Manimba (Bandundu province). The government has also reacted strongly to CENCO's rejection of constitutional amendments. Travel Advice Summary Normal travel can proceed. Avoid the vicinity of the opposition march on 27 September to mitigate the risk of exposure to incidental violence. In the event of encountering a large crowd of protesters or security forces personnel, quickly but calmly relocate to a secure location and remain there until the situation stabilises. Be flexible in your itineraries and, in particular, be ready to use an alternative route to reach N'Djili International Airport the day as the rally may disrupt travel on Boulevard Lumumba. Allow ample time for journeys through the city. Carry relevant identification and treat the security forces with caution and respect. Register with your embassy and relevant warden networks.