DRC: Further possible protests in Beni after demonstrations since Jan. 11

Event

Further protests are possible in Beni, North Kivu Province, after activists from the Veranda Mutsanga group demonstrated Jan. 14; members have been protesting against insecurity in the area since Jan. 11. Reports indicate that participants erected barricades, and security forces were deployed to disperse the crowd. Police arrested several participants.

An increased security presence is likely to remain in the coming days; violence is possible if protesters ignore security forces' commands to disperse. Clashes between locals and police often result in the use of tear gas and the throwing of projectiles. Transport disruptions are likely in the impacted area.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Keep away from areas with a heavy security presence. Use alternative routes to avoid all related events; allow additional time to reach destinations in the vicinity of the protests. Monitor local media sources for updates.