DRC: Armed Forces to demonstrate in Kinshasa on July 22

Event

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) plan to demonstrate in Kinshasa on July 22; participants will gather at Echangeur Place from 03:00. The purpose of the action, dubbed a "marche de dissuasion" or "deterrence march," is to show the unifying strength of the Congolese armed forces.

Organizers have planned two simultaneous column marches through the city, starting at Lumumba Boulevard Interchange (Echangeur Place) and ending at the Colonel Tshatshi Military Camp. Military officials anticipate 6,500 soldiers will participate in the march, while an additional 2,500 soldiers will be provided for security purposes.

Organizers announced the following routes:

• Column One: Lumumba Boulevard Interchange, proceed to Cinquantenaire Hospital, Bandal Tshibangu, Mbungu House, Kintambo Store, Jean XXIII Church, and end at Colonel Tshatshi Military Camp.

• Column Two: Lumumba Boulevard Interchange, proceed to Camp Kokolo, Mandela, Boulevard 30 June, Kintambo Store, Higher Institute of Building and Construction (INBTP), and end at Colonel Tshatshi Military Camp.

Authorities will likely deploy additional personnel around the protest march as a precaution; localized business and transportation disruptions are likely. The march route may change without notice. Given the pro-government nature of the march, clashes between police and demonstrators are unlikely, except if protesters are overly disruptive.

Advice

Avoid the protest site and its surrounding areas as a precaution. Plan for possible localized transport and business disruptions. If any violence erupts nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter at a safe nongovernmental building. Heed all official traffic and security advisories.