DRC Conflict: Kenya Seeks to Evacuate its Citizens from DRC

The Kenyan government has advised its citizens to leave the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to increased violence between security forces and M23 rebels.

Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, expressed grave concern over the security situation and urged Kenyan families to take precautions, while reiterating the call for an immediate ceasefire as agreed at a joint regional leaders’ meeting held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, between the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

“Kenya is deeply concerned about the escalation of conflict in the DRC,” the minister said.

Referring to the attacks on the Kenyan embassy in Kinshasa, the minister also stressed diplomatic efforts to find peace.

In addition, residents of the town bordering Burundi, known as Uviru, have been gripped by fear, especially those who spoke to the BBC, saying that M23 has already approached the area.

This comes just days after M23 rebels took control of Bukavu and Goma, the most populous cities in the DRC. Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has requested military assistance from Chad in its efforts to combat Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in its eastern regions.

Although last week, Chad’s Foreign Minister told Reuters that sending military aid to the DRC was ‘rumored information’.

According to the United Nations, the number of refugees who have fled to Burundi due to the ongoing war in eastern Congo has reached thirty thousand people.

By: BBC