U.S. Embassy advised Americans to leave DR Congo due to fighting

The U.S. Embassy in the Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo has recommended that U.S. citizens immediately seek asylum due to the increasing level of violence and crime in the cities, particularly in Goma and the republic's capital, Kinshasa, and leave the country as soon as possible while commercial flights are available. A message to this effect was published on January 28 on the website of the U.S. diplomatic mission.

"Ndjili Airport in Kinshasa remains open for commercial flights. We recommend that U.S. citizens depart on commercial flights when they feel they can safely reach the airport. Please be aware that there may be roadblocks and protests on the road to the airport, which may affect travel time and safety," the publication said.

The American Embassy in Kinshasa is currently closed to the public. In case of emergency, American citizens were advised to contact the consular section by phone or email.

In addition, the diplomatic mission recommended that U.S. citizens in the DR Congo review their personal security plans, make sure their travel documents are up to date, and pack essential items in bags that you can easily carry if needed.

The escalation came after the DR Congo government severed diplomatic relations with Rwanda and accused the country of supporting rebels who have launched a new offensive on the city of Goma. On January 26, the DR Congo Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the immediate withdrawal of its diplomats in the Rwandan capital of Kigali and ordered the country's embassy in Kinshasa to cease operations within 48 hours.

On January 27, March 23 Movement leader Cornel Nangaa announced that he had taken control of the city of Goma. The rebels cut the routes for food and basic necessities to the city from the south.

At the same time, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that Russia was concerned about the situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo and called on the parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities. On the same day, the Russian embassy in the Democratic Republic of Congo called on Russians living in North Kivu province to leave its territory.

The next day, January 28, Reuters reported that Congolese rebels from the M23 took control of the airport of the city of Goma. It was noted that it was through this airport that the UN, humanitarian groups and peacekeepers were delivering supplies. According to Agence France-Presse, more than 100 people were killed in the fighting in the city of Goma in DR Congo and about 1,000 others were injured.

Meanwhile, Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya emphasized that Russia strongly condemns the actions of the Congolese rebel group M23 in the DRC and calls for an end to the fighting.