DRC: Protest halts traffic along N5 road in Kamanyola, South-Kivu Province, on July 4

Event

Protesters have barricaded the N5 road in the Kamanyola locality, South-Kivu Province, on July 4. The action began on July 3 to denounce a proposed electoral mapping that would prevent Kamanyola from benefiting from the distribution of electoral seats. Reports indicate that the action has paralyzed commercial activities in the area and blocked roads leading to the cities of Bukavu and Uvira, located north and south of Kamanyola, respectively. Whether road traffic with the Rwanda border is halted to and from Kamanyola is unclear.

Officials will likely deploy security forces to clear the road. Clashes with security are possible if protesters ignore police orders to disperse.

Advice

Keep away from all demonstrations, as well as any areas where security personnel are deploying. Do not drive through protest roadblocks. Leave the area at the first sign of a security disturbance. Strictly heed the instructions of local authorities.