Gov’t mulls evacuation of Kenyans from DRC amid rising violence

The Kenyan government is considering evacuating its citizens from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as violence continues to escalate in the country.

This follows heightened conflict between security forces and the M23 rebel group, which has spread beyond the eastern region near the Rwandan border.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, in a statement issued on Thursday evening, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation, urging Kenyans in the DRC to exercise extreme caution and, if necessary, seek evacuation.

"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.

“The Kenyan government is considering the evacuation of Kenyans who can reach out to our consulate in Goma and our temporary offices in Congo Brazzaville.”

The Prime CS referenced recent attacks on Kenya’s embassy offices and personnel in Kinshasa by a riotous mob protesting the ongoing violence in the eastern DRC.

"Kenya is worried about the escalation of conflict in the DRC," he said, adding that the government remains committed to diplomatic efforts to restore peace.

Mudavadi reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire, in line with resolutions made by regional leaders during 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," he stated.