Congo: Protest in Brazzaville July 10

Event

A protest is reportedly scheduled to take place in Brazzaville on Monday, July 10. Crowds are expected to gather in front of the Moungali roundabout at 11:00 (local time) to express their discontent with the government. Increased security measures and traffic disruptions are likely along the march route. It is advised to avoid the demonstration as violence may flare up without warning.

Context

Congo is currently plagued by a tense political climate, largely linked to the disputed reelection of long-time President Denis Sassou Nguesso in March 2016, accusations of crackdowns on dissent, and allegations of human rights violations in the country. Meanwhile, a humanitarian crisis is ongoing in the Pool Department amid armed conflict between Congolese forces and the militia group Ninjas Nsiloulou, which erupted shortly after Nguesso’s reelection. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) also recently denounced repression taking place in the neighboring region of the capital Brazzaville.

Advice

Those present in Brazzaville are advised to keep abreast of the situation, avoid all demonstrations as violence may flare up without warning, and adhere to the instructions of local authorities as well as those of their home governments.