Zambia: Riot reported in Kitwe following shooting September 21

Event

Protests and rioting broke out in the Chimwemwe area of Kitwe (Copperbelt province) on the night (local time) of Friday, September 21, after a Chinese national reportedly shot a local teenage girl in the ankle by accident. Protests and riots erupted as residents initially believed the shooting had been fatal, with participants looting the Chinese national's shop before being dispersed by security forces; the rioters then damaged another Chinese-owned market in the same area, according to local reports.

Similar protests and riots are possible in Kitwe in the coming days. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near demonstration sites.

Advice

Individuals in Kitwe are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and riots, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.