DRC: Authorities lift curfew in Goma effective Sept. 26; curfew hours in the rest of the North Kivu Province remain in place as of Sept. 27

Event

Authorities in North Kivu Province lifted the existing curfew in the town of Goma effective Sept. 26. Curfew hours in the rest of the province, including Beni and Butembo remain in place 22:00-05:00. The measure initially went into force following a suicide bomb attack that killed eight people and wounded 10 others in Beni Dec. 25, 2021.

Tensions remain high across the province. Provincial authorities will almost certainly maintain a heightened security posture nationwide in the coming days. Roadblocks and checkpoints may remain in place as a precaution, resulting in localized business and transport disruptions. Protests and related clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out. Officials could implement additional security measures in North Kivu in response to local developments in the coming days.

Context

The Dec. 25 suicide attack in Beni, attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) group, occurred amid increased security operations. In late November, DRC and Uganda launched a joint operation against the ADF in eastern DRC following several suicide attacks claimed by the group, including in Kampala on Nov. 16.

There is an elevated threat of militant violence in the eastern regions of the DRC despite the implementation of a State of Siege in Ituri and North Kivu provinces. Multiple armed groups operate in the area. Violence in the region has left hundreds of people dead in 2021 and into mid-2022.

Advice

Consult local security partners on the viability of traveling in the affected area. Travel in convoy and during daylight hours only. Maintain contact with diplomatic missions. Abide by the conditions of the curfews. Adhere to directives issued by local authorities.