Congo: Anti-government protest in Brazzaville October 3

Event

Opposition activists are set to stage a demonstration in the capital Brazzaville on Tuesday, October 3. The protest will coincide with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) visit regarding a future economic bailout for Congo, and is intended to pressure the government to provide increased transparency regarding the management of public funds. Participants will reportedly gather at 10:00 (local time) at Rond Point de la Poste. Traffic disruptions and increased security measures are likely in the vicinity of the event.

Context

Congo is currently plagued by a significant economic crisis due to the low price of oil, which has provoked a recession and an increase in the public debt - which only recently came to light due to a lack of transparency regarding oil transactions. The situation has prompted civil servants (hospital and university staff) to launch various strikes over the past several months.

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 any instructions issued by local authorities and/or their home governments.