K Hayes
FCDO ADVISORY: ADVISE AGAINST ALL TRAVEL to provinces of North Kivu (including Goma), South Kivu (including Bukavu), Ituri, Maniema, Tanganyika, and Haut-Lomami due to conflict. ADVISE AGAINST ALL TRAVEL to the DRC-Central African Republic border (50km zone) and Kwamouth territory. ADVISE AGAINST ALL BUT ESSENTIAL TRAVEL to the rest of the DRC, including Kinshasa. Within Kinshasa, specific districts (N’djili and Kimbanseke) are under 'Advise against all travel' warnings. The FCDO notes that the security situation is highly unstable and unpredictable, and consular assistance is severely limited outside of Kinshasa. Travel against FCDO advice is a critical factor that may void sections of insurance cover if the trip is not deemed essential by Chatham House leadership.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently experiencing a severe humanitarian and security crisis. While the capital, Kinshasa (specifically the Gombe district), remains the most stable area for international business and research, the country is plagued by an ongoing Ebola outbreak (Bundibugyo strain), a major Mpox epidemic (Clade I), and significant political unrest related to proposed constitutional changes. In the East, the M23 rebel group and Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) have captured major urban centres like Goma and Bukavu, leading to a collapse of regional infrastructure. For a high-profile human rights researcher with an existing heart condition, the environment is exceptionally hostile due to the combination of political scrutiny, medical infrastructure collapse, and severe infectious disease risks.
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High diplomatic tension in Kinshasa; potential for anti-UN/anti-Western demonstrations if sanctions are perceived as ineffective against M23.
Risk implication: Increased civil unrest risk in the capital; potential for roadblocks and targeting of international researchers.
Violence between security forces and the 'Coalition Article 64' (C64) opposition group following the Senate's vote to allow President Tshisekedi a third term.
Risk implication: High risk of sudden riots, tear gas use, and arbitrary detention of political activists or researchers documented near protest sites.
Significant internal travel restrictions, health screenings at all checkpoints, and strain on the few operational medical facilities.
Risk implication: Critical health risk; potential for quarantine or border closures that could prevent exit if symptoms (including those mirroring a heart condition) are detected.
K Hayes faces a unique risk profile: 1. Public Profile: High-profile human rights research attracts state surveillance and harassment in the current climate of constitutional tension. 2. Heart Condition: The intense heat (30°C+), high humidity, and poor air quality in Kinshasa significantly strain cardiovascular health. 3. Gender/Identity: While consensual same-sex acts are not explicitly illegal, Article 176 ('public indecency') is frequently used to target LGBTQ+ individuals or those not adhering to traditional gender norms. As the traveller prefers not to say their gender and has personal safety factors related to human rights, they should anticipate intrusive questioning or harassment if perceived as LGBTQ+ by authorities. 4. Dietary: Veganism is poorly understood; cross-contamination in kitchens is a high risk for food poisoning, which can exacerbate heart conditions through dehydration.
Medical Emergency (Cardiac)
Lack of advanced cardiac care facilities means any heart incident could be fatal before medevac can be arranged.
Infectious Disease (Ebola/Mpox)
Active outbreaks with highly infectious strains; risk of mandatory 21-day quarantine if exposed or symptomatic.
Political Violence
Sudden escalation of protests against the 3rd term referendum in Kinshasa leading to city-wide lockdowns.
Legal/Social Harassment
Targeting of human rights researchers and potential targeting based on perceived gender/sexual orientation.
- 1.Limit all movements to the Gombe district of Kinshasa. Do not travel to N'djili or Kimbanseke except for direct airport transit.
- 2.Use only pre-arranged, secure private transport (armored vehicle recommended given the high public profile). Never use taxis or 'motos'.
- 3.Ensure 24/7 access to AIG MyLifeline Assistance (+44 1273 065 120) and have a satellite phone as backup for cellular network outages.
- 4.Strictly avoid all political gatherings, protests, or groups of security forces. Do not photograph government buildings or military personnel.
- 5.Maintain a low profile; do not discuss research details in public spaces or over unencrypted local networks.
- 6.Carry a 'grab bag' with 3 days of water, vegan-safe emergency rations, and a double supply of all heart medications in original packaging with prescriptions.
- 7.Register with the 'Returning Workers Scheme' or UK Embassy in Kinshasa prior to arrival due to the Ebola emergency.
UKHSA currently monitors all returnees from DRC for Ebola and Mpox symptoms. 21 days corresponds to the maximum incubation period for Ebola.
The traveller will remain within the 'Gombe' secure zone of Kinshasa. Accommodation must be at a highly secured international hotel (e.g., Pullman Kinshasa or Fleuve Congo Hotel) with 24-hour armed security, perimeter fencing, and internal CCTV. All meetings should ideally take place within the hotel or at secured embassy/UN compounds.
Evacuation will be triggered by: 1. A spike in Ebola cases in Kinshasa; 2. Declaration of a city-wide curfew or state of emergency; 3. Direct threats to the traveller's safety. Decisions will be made by the Chatham House ELT in coordination with AIG Crisis Containment and the UK Embassy.
If N'djili Airport (FIH) closes, the primary relocation route is via ferry/boat across the river to Brazzaville (Republic of the Congo), provided the border remains open. This requires a pre-obtained Republic of Congo visa. Secondary route: overland to Matadi then into Angola, though this is highly complex.
In the event of civil unrest making movement impossible, the traveller will hibernate at their hotel. The hotel must have independent power (generators), 14 days of water/food, and a 'safe room' protocol. Contact AIG immediately to log the hibernation status.
Daily check-ins via Signal/WhatsApp group at 08:00 and 20:00 UK Time. Additional check-ins required: 1. Upon landing at FIH; 2. Upon arrival at Gombe hotel; 3. Prior to any move between venues; 4. Upon return to hotel each evening.
If a check-in is missed by 30 minutes, the CH Base Manager will attempt contact via all known numbers. After 60 minutes, the CH Director and AIG Assistance will be notified. If 2 hours pass without contact, the UK Embassy in Kinshasa will be engaged. Medical emergency: Traveller to hit the SOS button on MyLifeline app immediately.
AIG MyLifeline: +44 1273 065 120; FCDO Consular: +44 20 7008 5000; UK Embassy Kinshasa: +243 81 556 6200; Chatham House Emergency: [CH_BASE_NUMBER_PLACEHOLDER].
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Required training for high risk destinations: 5 course(s)
Basic Online Training
Required for all travel
Risk Awareness Training
Required for all travel
First Aid Training
Required for all travel
Enhanced Online Training
Required for amber/red destinations
HEAT Training
Required for red destinations
Risk Assessment
Pending
Insurance Approval
Pending
Trip Approval
Pending
Personal Travel Safety Brief
PDF document with traveller safety guidance
Comprehensive Risk Assessment Report
Full security analysis and risk assessment
Security Plan (Annex A)
Security approach, evacuation & hibernation protocols
Communications Plan (Annex B)
Check-in protocol, escalation & contact numbers