DRC: As of Feb.13, increased security in Kinshasa following anti-Western protests /update 2

Officials have deployed additional security forces in parts of Kinshasa, notably the Gombe neighborhood, amid disruptive anti-Western protests reported since Feb. 9. Protesters gathered near foreign embassies, including France, US, and UK diplomatic offices, over the perceived negative influence of Western nations in the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. Some property damage and confrontations with security personnel occurred. As a precaution, some foreign colleges closed on Feb. 12. As of Feb. 13, officials in Kinshasa have prohibited motorcycle taxis and gatherings of more than five to six individuals in the Gombe area, where many foreign diplomatic representations are located.

Further disruptive anti-Western protests remain possible in Kinshasa, as witnessed by similar protests near the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) headquarters on Feb. 12. Heightened security and disruptions to road travel are likely near all protests that materialize. The potential for clashes between demonstrators and the police is elevated. Protesters could also engage in further acts of vandalism.