India confirms safety of citizens amid escalating conflict in DR Congo
text_fields
The Indian government has assured that all Indian citizens in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are safe despite the ongoing conflict in the country’s eastern region.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the Indian embassy in Kinshasa is actively monitoring the situation and maintaining constant communication with the Indian community.
Addressing the media on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal provided an update on the situation, stating that approximately 25,000 Indians reside in the DRC, with around 1,000 in Goma, one of the affected cities. While clashes persisted for two days in certain areas, most Indian nationals in Goma have managed to leave safely.
"Our embassy has been issuing advisories and helpline numbers to assist those in need. Although Kinshasa, where our embassy is located, is about 2,500 kilometers from Goma, we are in constant touch with our community. All Indian citizens are safe," Jaiswal assured.
On Thursday, the Indian Embassy in Kinshasa issued an advisory specifically for Indian nationals in Bukavu, South Kivu, urging them to leave the area while transportation routes remain open.
"The Embassy of India in Kinshasa is closely monitoring the security situation in eastern DRC. Reports indicate M23 rebel movements towards Bukavu, approximately 200 km from Goma. Given the risk of instability, we advise all Indian nationals in Bukavu to relocate to safer locations immediately. Travel to Bukavu is strongly discouraged at this time," the advisory stated.
Tensions escalated as heavy gunfire was reported in parts of Goma, hours after M23 rebels - allegedly backed by Rwanda - claimed to have seized control of the city. Despite calls from the United Nations Security Council for an immediate ceasefire, the rebels have continued their advance southwards towards Bukavu.
According to reports by Al Jazeera, the M23 fighters have vowed to press forward until they capture the national capital, further intensifying the already volatile situation in the region.