Faced with a deteriorating security situation, U.S. diplomatic authorities order the departure of their citizens from the DR Congo.
The U.S. embassy in Kinshasa has made an exceptional decision in response to a critical security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In a statement released on Monday, U.S. diplomatic authorities announced a drastic reduction in their staff and issued an urgent call for the evacuation of their citizens.
The recommendation is unambiguous: American citizens must leave the country immediately, using available commercial transportation. All routine consular and diplomatic services are suspended, underscoring the gravity of the situation on the ground.
The authorities detailed a series of security measures that nationals must imperatively follow. They are asked to prepare an emergency bag containing their essential documents and essential personal effects. A personal evacuation plan is strongly recommended, independent of any government assistance.
Vigilance is essential. Americans are urged to avoid gathering areas, remain discreet, and follow local news closely. The N’Djili airport in Kinshasa remains open, offering a potential exit route for those who wish to leave the country quickly.
The embassy says it maintains a presence for any urgent assistance through its consular section, although services are considerably reduced. This decision comes a few days after demonstrators attacked Western diplomatic missions in Kinshasa, on the sidelines of renewed violence in the east of the country where rebels from the M23, supported by Rwanda, according to Congolese authorities, attacked and took control of the city of Goma.
AC/sf/lb/as/APA