DRC: Students continue demonstrations in Kinshasa November 19 /update 2

Event

Student demonstrations were ongoing at the University of Kinshasa as of the morning (local time) of Monday, November 19. Entrances and exits to the university campus were reportedly blocked and police officers were firing tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. No casualties were immediately reported. Further protests and accompanying clashes between students and police are possible around the University of Kinshasa over the coming days.

Context

Teachers at the University of Kinshasa have been on strike since October 8 to demand better salaries; an agreement has reportedly been reached between the teachers and the government, but it has not calmed associated unrest. Students launched a series of demonstrations on November 12 to demand the resumption of courses at the university. Since that time, at least two students have died in clashes with security forces; students are now also demanding justice for those killed.

Advice

Individuals in Kinshasa are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.