Djibouti: Further demonstrations called for in Djibouti city on June 12 following alleged torture of pilot in custody /update 1

Event

Demonstrations have been called for in Djibouti City on Friday, June 12, in support of a detained air force pilot who has allegedly been subject to torture while in custody. Possible gathering places include, but are not limited to, PK12, Hayablay, Balbala Adi, Cheikh Moussa, and Stade Gouled. Protests have been occurring since a video emerged last week reportedly depicting the pilot being held in the toilet of a jail. The pilot's lawyer has stated that the he had shown signs of torture during his last visit, and that 200 people, including the pilot's family, have been arrested in recent days.

The spontaneous protests have been compounded by widespread anger at corruption and poverty in Djibouti. Security forces have occasionally used aggressive tactics, including tear gas, to disperse anti-government demonstrations. Further protests in the near term are likely to result in crowd dispersal operations.

Advice

Individuals in Djibouti are advised to monitor developments, avoid demonstrations, anticipate a heightened security presence near protest sites, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.