DRC: Activists to march in Tshikapa City June 9

Event

Activists associated with the Lutte pour le Changement (Struggle for Change, LUCHA) movement plan to stage a protest march and sit-in demonstration in Tshikapa City, Kasai Province, June 9. The purpose of the action is to demand a reduction in the cost of water from the Regideso utility company. Preliminary reports indicate that participants will gather at the Tendeur de Kele market before marching to the Regideso facility in the city's Kanzala borough. Organizers have as yet released no information concerning the event's start time or the exact march route. It remains unclear how many participants the gathering may draw.

Since the demonstration will be taking place despite municipal authorities' refusing to issue a permit for the event, police will almost certainly deploy a heightened security presence along the march route and in the borough of Kanzala. Localized transport and business disruptions are likely in affected parts of the city. Clashes with security forces are possible, particularly police move to enforce the city's prohibition of the protest by dispersing the participants.

Advice

Avoid the protest as a standard precaution. Allow extra time for travel in areas near the march route. Strictly heed the instructions of local security personnel. If violence occurs, leave the area immediately and take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building.