By Naysa Shrivastava
On 2nd February, the Indian Embassy in Kinshasa, Congo initiated an emergency plan for Indian nationals in Bukavu. The embassy rolled out three advisories and suggested that Indians should shift to a secured place and prepare themselves for any kind of uncertainties. The March-23 rebels have usurped Goma city and are planning to invade Bukavu, which is 200 kms from Goma.
The havoc in Congo is increasing day by day. Millions of people are stuck in that region and became the victim of the violence. Those trapped can take refuge with a feeble and fragmented national army or move to Rwanda, which is supporting the M23 rebels. The United Nations quoted that the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have crossed the South Kivu border.
The Indian Embassy in Congo said, “We are closely evaluating the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We have witnessed the movements of M23 rebels towards Bukavu. This can be very dangerous for the Indian residents and keeping the situation in mind, we recommend the residents to move to safer locations as the airports, borders and commercial movements are still accessible. We recommend that no one should travel to Bukavu for now.” They clearly said that we are not fully equipped to provide consular services because of the on-going circumstances.
The embassy also asked the Indians to carry food essentials, medical kits, travel documents and identity cards all the time. Indians should be well-prepared and not be entirely dependent on the embassy. The M23 rebels have created a fearful environment in Goma and captured women after breaking into houses to commit sexual violence.
Many people got displaced from their residence and the condition is very severe for women and children. Congolese officials have revealed that, so far, 773 people have been killed in the invasion, along with 2,880 people injured, and the numbers are increasing.