DRC: Teacher protest to denounce violence in Beni (North Kivu) November 2 /update 2

Event

Teachers from Catholic and public schools in Beni (North Kivu province) are set to hold a protest on Friday, November 2, to denounce violence in the area, notably recurrent clashes between Congolese soldiers and suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels. Protesters are expected to march from the Enra roundabout to the City Hall via the 30 Juin roundabout. Teachers have also requested that all business activities in the town cease throughout the day. Schools in Beni and in the nearby town of Butembo have been closed for several days in support of the movement. Teachers have threatened to intensify their protests until conditions improve.

Context

A similar student protest took place on October 9.

The ADF is a Ugandan Islamist militant group that has been active in North Kivu province since the late 1990s. Notably, the group is suspected of having carried out an attack on UN peacekeepers in Beni territory (North Kivu province) in December 2017, killing at least 15 peacekeepers and wounding some 53 others. In general, the Congolese government's limited presence in the eastern provinces, including in North Kivu, as well as the presence of numerous armed groups (such as the ADF) and local self-defense militias (Maï-Maï militias) have led to major security issues in the area.

Advice

Individuals in North Kivu province, particularly in Beni, are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution, monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for violent activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.