• According to an official notice, the opposition Lamuka coalition is slated to hold a protest march in Kinshasa on October 16. The march will begin at 08:00 (local time) at the Ngaba roundabout and proceed through the Super Lemba roundabout, Sefu Avenue, the FIKIN fairground, the Echangeur de Kinshasa, and along the Boulevard Lumumba to conclude at 1ere Rue in Limete.
• The governor of Kinshasa released a notice acknowledging the protest, and local police were advised to secure the route.
• Lamuka is organizing the march to denounce alleged fraud concerning the appointment of members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI).

1. This march comes after a series of similar protests by the Lamuka coalition in Kinshasa, with the latest on October 9. The continued protests reflect the opposition’s heightened frustration with the repeated delays in CENI appointments, which also challenges the legitimacy of the electoral process. This also highlights the opposition’s efforts to capitalize on the ongoing anti-government sentiments to garner public support and increase its dominance in Congolese politics.
2. FORECAST: ​​Given precedent and Lamuka’s known mobilization capabilities, there is likely to be participation ranging in the mid-to-high hundreds at the march. Given that the governor has acknowledged the protest and its route, it is likely to take place relatively calmly. However, with the heightened presence of security forces, it is possible that confrontations or unruly behavior will take place. Police are typically swift to disperse protesters with batons, tear gas, and arrests in such cases. Traffic disruptions can be expected throughout southeastern Kinshasa in the vicinity of the march, including disruptions along the Boulevard Lumumba that connects the airport to the city.

Those operating or residing in Kinshasa on October 16 are advised to avoid nonessential travel to the immediate vicinity of the march in the Ngaba area and allot for traffic disruptions in the wider area during the morning hours due to the planned protest and potential for unrest.