14 May 2019 | 08:08 AM UTC
DRC: Telecommunication protests in North Kivu May 16
LUCHA civil society group calls for protests against telecommunication company in Goma (North Kivu province) on May 16; clashes with security forces and other disruptions possible
Event
The civil society group LUCHA (Fight for Change) is planning to hold a protest in Goma (North Kivu province) at 08:30 (local time) on Thursday, May 16. The sit-in demonstration will be held at the Airtel RDC office, a national telecommunications and mobile phone service subsidiary. A similar protest was held in Beni (North Kivu province) on Friday, May 10, that ended with the violent dispersal of the crowd by security forces. At least 11 people were wounded in the incident. A heightened security presence and other localized disruptions are possible during Thursday's protest and clashes with security forces cannot be ruled out. Further similar events are possible in Goma and other cities in eastern DRC in the near term.
Context
Protesters are calling for improved telecommunication services and protesting the high cost of service.
Advice
Individuals in Goma and eastern DRC are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate localized disruptions and a heightened security presence, avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence and arrest, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments. Many Western governments advise against nonessential travel to Goma.
