The U.S. Embassy wishes to inform U.S. citizens that one of the opposition parties, UDPS, is planning a meeting at their headquarters in the Limite neighborhood in Kinshasa on Saturday, April 23. Reports indicate that authorities may seek to prevent the meeting from taking place.
Another political rally is planned by an opposition coalition on Sunday, April 24 at 10:00 a.m. in the space between Stade des Martyrs and Avenue de l’Enseignement, in the Kasavubu neighborhood in Kinshasa. This is in the general area of the Palais du Peuple and Boulevard Triomphal. There are indications that security forces will prevent people from gathering.
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.
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.
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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