From: <[email protected]>
Date: Aug 19, 2017 8:13 AM
Subject: Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Planned Protests for August 21, 2017
To:
Cc:
U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Planned Protests for August 21
August 17, 2017
The U.S. Embassy has learned that on August 15, the Bundu dia Kongo (BDK) separatist group released a video calling for protests on Monday, August 21. On August 7, protests led by the BDK resulted in violence and several fatalities in Kinshasa and other cities. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether protests will materialize or turn violent on this occasion.
The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to limit non-essential trips and to avoid large gatherings, protests, and demonstrations.
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.