Mayotte: Further protests are possible in Koungou through early October following recent unrest

Event

Additional protests are possible in Koungou through early October following unrest late Sept. 27. Protesters burned three vehicles in the commune's administrative seat's parking lot. The fire later expanded to the building, which burned down. They also attempted to set fire to the municipal police office. The unrest was sparked by the destruction of an estimated 350 homes in a neighboring low-income area.

Authorities will almost certainly deploy additional security personnel to monitor for any possible protest action that materializes; localized transport disruptions are likely near any protest sites. Should protests occur, security forces are highly likely to seek to disperse protesters.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of any confrontation. Monitor local media sources for up-to-date information on planned demonstrations. Check for transport disruptions and allow extra time for travel in affected locations.