Prime Minister and the media wade into one of world’s danger zones

OTTAWA - Canadian photographers and camera operators travelling with the prime minister to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are being warned to keep their lens caps on just in case.

Stephen Harper, two federal ministers and the premiers of Quebec and New Brunswick will attend the Francophonie summit from Friday to Sunday.

Officials are cautioning the media about photographing or taking video of images outside of the conference because of restrictions imposed by the government of Joseph Kabila.

Reporters are also warned to stick close to their hotel and not to travel alone while in Kinshasa.

The country has been coping with crippling rebel violence in its eastern region and international criticism for its human rights and democratic record following last year’s troubled presidential elections.

Harper is scheduled to meet civil society leaders including members of the opposition while in the country.