Kenya warns citizens in DRC to exercise extra caution as violence escalates, plan evacuations
In a statement, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi noted that the government is considering the evacuation of Kenyans from the volatile regions
The government of Kenya has called on Kenyans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to exercise caution following the escalating conflict and hinted on possible evacuations even as rebel group M23 gains more ground.
In a statement, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi noted that the government is considering the evacuation of Kenyans from the volatile regions.
“The conflict between the security forces and militant groups led by M23 that began in the Eastern part of DRC, on the Rwandan border, has escalated rapidly, and seems to have spread to other parts of the country. Following the disturbing situation, we are requesting Kenyans in DRC to take extreme caution of their security situation, and where necessary consider possible evacuation, especially from the volatile regions,” said Mudavadi.
Those affected have been urged to contact Kenya’s consulate in Goma or the temporary offices in Congo Brazzaville.
Kenya first raised concerns about the safety of its citizens in January following attacks on its embassy offices and personnel in Kinshasa by a mob protesting the violent clashes in the eastern region.
“After the press statement, we issued on the 28th January 2025 raising concerns over the attacks on our Embassy offices and personnel in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo by a riotous mob protesting the violent conflict in Eastern DRC, Kenya is worried about the escalation of conflict in the DRC”, Mudavadi who is also the Prime Cabinet Secretary said.
Meanwhile, Kenya is urging the parties in the conflict to consider an immediate ceasefire, as adopted by the Heads of State at the Joint East African Cooperation (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) High-Level meeting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
“We continue to urge the parties in the conflict to consider an immediate ceasefire, as adopted by the Heads of State and at the Joint East African Cooperation (EAC), and Southern African Development Community (SADC) High-Level meeting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania,” he appealed.
