DRC: Security situation in Bukavu normalized July 30 following jailbreak

Event

The situation in the regional capital of Bukavu, South Kivu has reportedly normalized on Sunday, July 30. Panic was seen across the city following a jailbreak at the central prison on July 28; the detonation of a grenade caused some damage to an entrance to the facility, following which at least three people were injured in fighting between prisoners and security forces. 20 prisoners escaped during the incident, and may still be at large.

Context

DRC has been beset by numerous jailbreaks across the country in past months. The specific groups or motives behind the latest incident remain unclear, though authorities have said that two Burundian soldiers in detention threw the grenade. Security in the restive North and South Kivu region in the east of the country is undermined by the presence of numerous armed criminal groups and rebel groups; violent clashes between these groups and government forces, as well as between rival groups, are common.

Advice

Those present in Bukavu should monitor the situation. Due to security concerns, many Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu (particularly outside the cities of Goma and Bukavu). More generally, the security environment across much of the DRC complex and professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.