Embassy Kigali is repeating the security message issued by Embassy Kinshasa on February 12, 2016.
The U.S. Embassy has received reports that opposition groups have called for a non-confrontational “ville morte” (general strike) on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 throughout the country. Opposition groups are concerned about the possible delay of national elections scheduled to be held in November 2016. There may be disruptions to transportation in major population centers, such as Kinshasa, Goma, Bukavu, and Lubumbashi, and there is a potential for spontaneous protests or demonstrations. The U.S. Embassy will remain open on Tuesday.
The U.S. Embassy advises all U.S. citizens to maintain a high degree of awareness and exercise caution as the scheduled elections move closer. See the Travel Warning for the DRC.
Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if 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. Maintain a high level of vigilance 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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