DRC: Activists to rally in Bukavu and Walungu Dec. 4 in support of opposition leader

Event

Activists from the Amka Congo Collective and Civil Society organization plan to demonstrate in Bukavu and Walungu, Dec. 4. The action is to show support for Vital Kamerhe, president of the Union for the Congolese Nation (UNC) political party, who has been on trial for corruption since June 2020. Details for the demonstrations are as follows:

• Bukavu: Demonstrators will meet at 0900 in Place Major Vangu before marching towards the South Kivu Governorate building.

• Walungu: Demonstrators will meet at 1000 at the Parish of Saint Bernadette and march towards the Administrator of the Territory building.

The specific routes for both rallies are unclear. Participation is likely to be significant at both demonstrations.

The group has called for demonstrations to remain peaceful. Authorities will likely deploy additional security personnel to monitor the actions. Counterprotests cannot be ruled out. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces, or among rival groups of activists, are possible. Localized disruptions are also likely in the vicinity of all demonstrations.

Advice

Avoid any protests that may materialize in Bukavu and Walungu Dec. 4. Keep away from political party offices and areas with a heavy security presence. Use alternative routes to circumvent demonstration venues; allow additional time to reach destinations.