Today, July 31st, the US Embassy in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) issued a warning to US citizens about the planned political protests in several major cities.
It was rumored that planned political protests were scheduled for August 8th.
U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Planned Political Protests in Kinshasa, Goma, Bukavu, and Lubumbashi
July 31, 2017
The U.S. Embassy has received reports of planned political protests in Kinshasa, Goma, Bukavu, and Lubumbashi on Monday, July 31. As with any planned political event, disruptions to transportation may occur in these cities. U.S. citizens are advised to exercise caution and to limit non-essential trips.
The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
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).
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook