DRC: Public transportation strike in Kinshasa May 21

Event

Bus and taxi drivers staged a public transportation strike in Kinshasa on Monday, May 21, in protest of recent state-mandated fare cuts. Transportation disruptions are expected in Kinshasa for the duration of the strike. Additional strikes and related protests are possible in Kinshasa in the coming days.

Context

Public transport and taxi fares rose from CDF 500 (USD 0.31) to CDF 700 (USD 0.43) at the beginning of May, before student protests prompted the Congolese government to reduce fares to their original levels. Related student protests notably took place on three campuses in Kinshasa on May 10 and May 14, resulting in several casualties and the arrests of dozens of students.

Advice

Individuals present in the DRC, particularly in Kinshasa, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, prepare for transportation disruptions, avoid all protests and demonstrations due to the risk of violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities or their home governments.