19 Mar 2024 | 11:41 PM UTC
DRC: Protest over alleged Rwandan aggression planned in Kinshasa March 22
Protest over alleged Rwandan aggression planned in front of EU headquarters in Kinshasa, DRC, from 10:00 March 22. Avoid the protest.
A protest denouncing the alleged Rwandan Army aggression in eastern DRC is planned in Kinshasa on March 22. Participants intend to gather at Central Station Square at 10:00 before moving to EU headquarters for a protest. It is unclear how many demonstrators the event will draw.
Increased security is likely in the impacted area, especially near the EU headquarters. Police may quickly resort to force and riot control tactics to disperse protesters if they are overly disruptive. Similar protests were met with violence. Localized road and public transportation disruptions are likely near the protest location. Further demonstrations are likely in the coming weeks in urban centers nationwide.
Avoid all demonstrations. Allow additional time to reach destinations near the protest venues. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately, and take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building.
The action comes amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between Rwanda and DRC. DRC officials recently accused Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels in eastern DRC. Since November 2021, the M23 rebel group has increased attacks targeting armed forces in the eastern DRC. The M23 is seeking to pressure the government to honor a peace agreement signed in 2013, allowing the reintegration of the armed forces into society, among other issues. The renewed activity of M23 militants and further accusations against Rwanda may aggravate tensions in the region.
