26 Apr 2019 | 02:37 PM UTC
DRC: Demonstration reported in Beni April 25-26 /update 1
LUCHA civil society group stages sit-in protest in Beni April 25-26; heightened security presence possible and localized transportation disruptions expected
Event
The Fight for Change (LUCHA) civil society group held a sit-in protest in Beni (North Kivu province) beginning on Thursday evening (local time), April 25, into the morning hours on Friday, April 26, to denounce the rising cost of telecommunication services, among other issues. Participants reportedly rallied outside a local Airtel shop and had yet to disperse as of 06:00. A heightened security presence remains possible and localized transport disruptions are to be expected in the vicinity of the demonstration.
Context
LUCHA members held a similar sit-in protest in Kinshasa on April 25 outside the Vodacom corporate office.
Advice
Individuals in Beni are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities
