U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Potential for Demonstrations and Unrest
December 19, 2016
The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa informs U.S. citizens of the potential for demonstrations and civil unrest on/around December 19, the date on which President Joseph Kabila’s term in office was due to end before the government delayed elections.
Security forces have reportedly established checkpoints and military deployments in certain areas of Kinshasa. You should carry some form of identification with you in case you encounter a checkpoint.
U.S. government employees have been instructed to limit their movements to and within Gombe. The Shelter-in-Place order from Sunday, December 18 remains in effect.
The U.S. Embassy will be open on Tuesday, December 20.
U.S. citizens should:
· Remain indoors in a safe location on December 20.
· Avoid demonstrations.
· Be sure to have extra food, water and medication on hand.
· Establish a communication plan with your friends and family, so they know when to expect to hear from you.
Always exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security. U.S. citizens should review the Travel Warning for the DRC and remain alert for potentially dangerous situations.
For further information:
· See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for the DRC.
· Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
· Contact the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa, located at 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, at +243-081-225-5872 (Do not dial the zero when calling from abroad); the Consular Section at tel. +243-081-884-6859 or +243-081-884-4609 from Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is 081-556-0151.
· Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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