Kinshasa/New Delhi, Jan 30 (UNI) The Embassy of India in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), asked Indian nationals in Bukavu, South Kivu, in eastern DRC, to depart to safer locations amid the escalation of fighting with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels moving in to capture more territory.
In an advisory, the Indian Embassy said it is closely monitoring the situation in eastern DRC, and added that amidst the fighting it is limited in its ability to provide consular assistance. It asked Indians to prepare their own emergency plans.
It said: “We have noted the reports of M23 movements of rebels toward Bukavu, located 200 km from Goma”. The M23 rebels have already taken control of Goma, the capital of mineral-rich North Kivu province, and are moving westwards toward Bukavu.
It said: “Given the potential of instability in the region, all Indian nationals residing in Bukavu are advised to depart to safer locations while the airports, borders and commercial routes are still open. We strongly recommend against any travel to Bukavu.”
“Under the present circumstances, Embassy is limited in its ability to provide consular services/assistance. Therefore, it is recommended all to prepare your own personal emergency plans.”
It also advised that Indians keep with them at all times all essential identity and travel documents; medicines, ready-to-eat food, clothing etc in a bag that can be carried easily; “prepare a personal emergency plan that does not rely upon support of the Indian embassy”; monitor local media channels for updates; avoid large gatherings/crowds/demonstrations; keep a low profile.
It said in case of any emergency, they could contact an official of the embassy Vishnu Dayal Mahto +243890024313/cons.kinshasa@mea.gov.in.
According to media reports, civilians and foreign workers, including World Bank staff and private military contractors hired by the DRC, are fleeing the country’s east as M23 fighters have tightened their grip on Goma.
The Rwandan-backed rebels control most of the key city, with sporadic gunfire heard in its outskirts.
Electricity remains cut off in the city of about two million people, while aid groups warn that hospitals are overwhelmed with the influx of wounded, Al Jazeera reported.
DRC President Felix Tshisekedi is expected to address the nation later on Wednesday, in his first public statement since M23 advanced on Goma.
Rwanda’s ambassador-at-large for the Great Lakes region Vincent Karega has told AFP the M23 advance “will continue” into neighbouring South Kivu province.
UNI RN