Johannesburg: The Embassy of India in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, has issued an urgent advisory for Indian nationals residing in Bukavu, urging them to immediately evacuate to safer locations as the security situation in the country deteriorates. The advisory comes amid increasing hostilities as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advance in the eastern part of the nation.

With reports suggesting that M23 rebels are now within 20-25 kilometers of Bukavu, the Indian Embassy has issued three advisories in a single day, stressing the need for emergency preparedness. The advisory strongly discourages any travel to Bukavu and urges individuals to leave by all available means while commercial routes, airports, and borders remain operational.

Emergency Measures Advised for Indian Nationals

The Indian Embassy has outlined critical measures for Indian nationals to ensure their safety. These include:

Keeping all essential travel and identity documents ready at all times.

Preparing an emergency bag with vital supplies such as medicines, clothing, travel papers, water, and non-perishable food items.

Staying informed by closely monitoring local news and updates from official sources.

Registering their details, including full name, passport number, addresses in both Congo and India, and contact numbers, with the embassy.

In case of emergencies, the embassy has provided a dedicated contact number (+243 890024313) and an email address (cons.kinshasas@mea.gov.in) for immediate assistance.

Escalating Conflict in Congo: A Growing Concern

The Democratic Republic of Congo has been grappling with long-standing conflicts, with the M23 rebels intensifying their offensive in recent weeks. The capture of Goma, a major city in eastern Congo, has further fueled concerns of instability and widespread violence. Reports from Congolese authorities indicate that at least 773 people have been killed in Goma and nearby areas amid the ongoing clashes.

The situation in Bukavu remains precarious, with the possibility of a rapid escalation of violence. As such, the Indian Embassy is proactively working to ensure the safety of Indian nationals in the region by urging immediate evacuation.

India’s Stand on the Crisis

India has expressed deep concern over the conflict and has called for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis. In New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that there are approximately 1,000 Indian nationals in Goma, though most have already relocated to safer areas following the outbreak of violence.

Additionally, India has a significant presence in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Congo (MONUSCO), with around 1,200 Indian troops deployed in the eastern region. These peacekeeping forces have been playing a crucial role in stabilizing the region and assisting civilians affected by the ongoing strife.

Uncertain Future as Conflict Persists

With tensions escalating and rebel forces making strategic advances, the situation in Congo remains unpredictable. The immediate priority for Indian authorities is to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals in the region. The Embassy continues to closely monitor developments and is in constant communication with Indian citizens in Bukavu.

As events unfold, Indian nationals in the conflict zones are urged to remain vigilant, follow embassy advisories, and make every effort to move to secure locations without delay. The Embassy remains committed to supporting its citizens and facilitating their safe passage out of volatile areas.

This crisis underscores the urgent need for international efforts to mediate peace in the region, ensuring the safety of civilians and preventing further humanitarian distress. For now, the priority remains the safe evacuation of all Indian nationals from high-risk areas in Congo.