27 Sep 2017 | 11:13 PM UTC
DRC: Kinshasa sit-in over new passport regulation Sep. 25
Civic group opposed to new passport regulation holds sit-in in Kinshasa Monday, September 25
Event
The LUCHA (Fight for Change) civic group is holding a sit-in in the vicinity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kinshasa on Monday, September 25, from 10:00 (local time) to oppose expensive new passport regulations. Localized clashes are possible, as security forces have previously used excessive force to disperse crowds. Twenty-six people were apprehended during a peaceful demonstration over the issue held on September 20.
Context
The government has agreed to new regulations that will force all Congolese citizens to travel on new biometric passports, costing USD 185. The passports, introduced in 2015, are some of the world’s most expensive. There is significant controversy about where the profits go to, with apparent links to President Joseph Kabila’s family. All non-biometric Congolese passports will cease to be valid from October 16.
Advice
Individuals present in the DRC are advised to monitor the situation, maintain a high degree of situational awareness, and avoid all public gatherings due to the risk of associated violence.
More generally, a number of Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the east and northeast of the country for various security reasons.
