New Delhi, Feb 2: The Indian Embassy in Kinshasa has issued an updated advisory for Indian nationals in Bukavu, warning of worsening security conditions in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The embassy stated that M23 rebels are now only 20-25 kilometres from Bukavu. “Given the security situation, we once again advise all Indian nationals residing in Bukavu to immediately depart to safer locations by whatever means available while the airports, borders, and commercial routes are still open,” the advisory said.
The embassy strongly discouraged travel to Bukavu and urged all Indian nationals to have an emergency plan in place. It also recommended the following safety measures:
Keep essential identity and travel documents with you at all times.
Prepare a bag with necessities, including medicines, clothing, travel documents, food, and water.
Monitor local news for updates.
Avoid large gatherings, crowds, or demonstrations.
Maintain a low profile.
For emergencies, Indian nationals can contact Vishnu Dayal Mahto, Second Secretary (Consular), at +243 890024313.
India has over 1,200 troops serving under the UN peacekeeping mission in eastern DRC, as well as about 1,000 Indian nationals previously living in Goma, many of whom have now relocated due to the conflict.
On January 31, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in DRC, where intense fighting between M23 rebels and Congolese government forces has caused a humanitarian crisis and resulted in the deaths of several UN peacekeepers.
“We are closely following the developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We remain concerned at the deteriorating security situation. We call for a peaceful resolution of the conflict,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday.
According to Congolese authorities, at least 773 people have died in Goma and nearby areas in the past week amid the fighting. Another 2,880 people have been injured, with officials warning that the death toll could be higher.
The situation has also led to diplomatic tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, with Kinshasa cutting ties with Kigali over allegations that Rwanda is supplying M23 rebels with weapons and troops.
The situation in Goma, a key city in eastern DRC, remains volatile as fighting intensifies. Earlier reports said that 13 UN peacekeepers, including four South African soldiers, were killed in clashes with M23 rebels on January 25.
In addition, North Kivu’s military governor, Maj Gen Peter Cirimwami, was killed on the frontline nearly two weeks ago.
The conflict has displaced over 400,000 people, with hospitals in several cities struggling to cope with casualties.
Reports suggest that humanitarian aid operations have been severely disrupted.
Western nations, including France, the UK, Germany, and the US, have issued travel advisories urging their citizens to leave Goma. Human Rights Watch has warned of escalating human rights abuses by both the rebels and government forces.
