Security Overview for DRC

The threat of random acts of violence in Kinshasa and other urban areas remains the most significant security concern for visitors to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). There have been several instances of violent criminal attacks on expatriate compounds in Kinshasa, Kisangani, Bukavu and Goma. Several incidents have occurred in which criminals assaulted foreign workers on the pretext that the victims committed traffic violations or other minor offenses.

Security has significantly improved in the capital Kinshasa since Joseph Kabila became president in December 2006. However, Kabila has failed to dramatically improve security conditions in the rest of the country, especially in the eastern, northeastern and the western provinces. There have been some security improvements in certain cities in the east, such as Bukavu, Goma, and in towns along the Burundian boarder, including Uvira and Fizi. However attacks by militant groups continue there. The DRC continues to rely heavily on the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission (MONUC) for the security of the country.

Despite some improvements in the overall security situation, violence involving small militia groups has continued in the east, northeast and the southern Katanga province. Another source of instability is an abusive and inefficient security force. The causes of violence are both local and national. Some of the issues like land tenure, citizenship, and ethnic hatred continue to fuel militia recruitment and tensions.

In the east, the government signed separate agreements with the long-time rebel movements, the National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP), a predominately Tutsi group led by General Laurent Nkunda, and The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a predominantly Hutu group from Rwanda. CNDP and other armed groups accepted an invitation to be integrated into the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), national police, and local governments. Nkunda was then arrested in January 2009 in Rwanda, where he was put in custody after the government invited Rwandan soldiers to root out FDLR combatants in the eastern Kivu provinces. The FDLR are still operating in North and South Kivu and continue to use towns in the eastern DRC, including Fizi, Masisi, Rutshuru, Kanyabayonga and Shabunda territories, as safe heavens to launch attacks on villages. Travelers to rural areas in the North and South Kivu provinces should exercise heightened caution as fighting continues.

Western DRC is an opposition stronghold, and ongoing disputes between the government and opposition often lead to urban unrest, especially in cities such as Kinshasa, Mbuji-Mayi, Tshikapa, Matadi and Mbandaka. It is easy for the opposition to mobilize against the government in these cities. Some westerners believe Kabila, who is from the east, promotes the interests of the east and the south at their expense. In addition, the Western Equateur Province sees some sporadic security issues. In October and November 2009 clashes erupted between the Enyele and Munzaya groups, near the village of Dongo; the incidents led thousands to flee western DRC.

The northeast region of the DRC has experienced fighting between the FARDC and Ugandan Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebel group. The LRA continue to launch attacks on villages and abduct civilians. Both the FDLR and LRA have established bases in the Eastern Province of the DRC and continue to cause insecurity in the area. DRC, along with Rwanda and Uganda, have initiated joint military operations against LRA forces. The numbers of LRA fighters have diminished, but the group is capable of launching attacks on remote villages in northeastern DRC.

Limit road travel in Kinshasa and pay attention to areas of risk. Be aware that street crimes - including muggings, armed robberies and carjacking - are pervasive and represent a significant risk in Kinshasa and other major cities. Refrain from traveling at night.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.