Johannesburg, Feb 2 (PTI): The Indian Embassy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has issued an urgent advisory for Indian nationals in Bukavu, urging them to leave immediately due to the deteriorating security situation in the region.
The advisory, released on Sunday, comes as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels continue their advance in eastern Congo, having already captured the key city of Goma. Reports indicate that the rebels are now just 20-25 kilometers from Bukavu, raising concerns about further territorial gains.
Evacuation Advisory and Emergency Measures
The embassy issued three advisories throughout the day, strongly recommending that all Indian nationals in Bukavu evacuate immediately while airports, borders, and commercial routes remain open. It also emphasized that travel to Bukavu should be strictly avoided.Additionally, Indian citizens were advised to:
- Keep essential documents such as passports and identity papers ready.
- Prepare an emergency bag with medicines, clothing, ready-to-eat food, and water.
- Monitor local media for real-time updates on the conflict.
For emergency assistance, Indian nationals can contact:
Helpline: +243 890024313
Email: [email protected]Escalating Conflict and Indian Response
The conflict in eastern Congo has intensified, with at least 773 people reported dead in Goma and its vicinity this past week, according to Congolese authorities. The situation marks a major escalation of the decade-long conflict, with rebels expanding their control over strategic areas.India, closely monitoring the developments, has called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that approximately 1,000 Indian nationals were residing in Goma, but most have already moved to safer locations since the conflict began.
India also has a significant military presence in the region, with around 1,200 Indian troops deployed as part of MONUSCO, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC.
Background on the M23 Rebel Crisis
The M23 rebellion, backed by Rwanda, has been a persistent source of instability in eastern Congo. The latest offensive, which led to the capture of Goma, has raised fears of further escalation, potentially threatening Bukavu and other key locations.With the security situation deteriorating rapidly, Indian nationals in Bukavu have been urged to act immediately and evacuate to safer areas while possible.
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