Indian Embassy Issues Urgent Safety Advisory for Nationals in Congo Amid M23 Rebel Offensive.
The Indian Embassy in Congo has issued an urgent advisory for Indian nationals in the city of Goma, following the capture of the city by M23 rebels. The embassy has urged all Indian citizens in the region to immediately move to safer locations, keep essential supplies ready, and securely store travel documents. It also provided contact details for emergencies and instructed Indians to share their personal and passport information for safety monitoring. This advisory comes after escalating violence in the region and growing concerns about the safety of expatriates in Congo.
Indian Embassy Congo: After the M23 rebels captured Goma in Congo, the Indian Embassy has advised Indians in Bukavu to immediately move to safer locations. The embassy has also advised people to keep essential supplies ready and ensure that their travel documents are secure.
The Indian Embassy in Kinshasa, Congo, has requested all Indians in Bukavu to "immediately move to safer places." The embassy stated that it is closely monitoring the security situation for Indians in the country.
Earlier, M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, captured the city of Goma in eastern Congo. They are also attempting to expand the territory under their control. In light of the security concerns for Indians in the country, the Indian Embassy issued this advisory.
"Information suggests that M23 rebels are located 20-25 km from Bukavu. Considering the security situation, we once again urge all Indians living in Bukavu to immediately move to safer areas. Airports, borders, and trade routes are still open."
The embassy has also asked Indians to keep important identification and travel documents secure and be prepared for emergency travel. Essential items like medicines, clothes, travel documents, ready-to-eat food, and water should be kept in stock.
The embassy is collecting information about Indian nationals in Bukavu and requests Indians to send details such as full name, passport number, and addresses in Congo and India to the embassy.
Indians in Congo can contact the embassy in case of an emergency at +243 890024313 or email cons.kinshasas@mea.gov.in.
On January 30, the Indian Embassy had issued similar advice for all Indian nationals in Bukavu and South Kivu.
The fighting between the Rwanda-supported M23 rebels and the Congo government forces intensified last week after the capture of Bukavu. According to the Associated Press, at least 773 people have been killed in Goma and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, India has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Congo.
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