14 December 2007

Trouble in the DRC

Most of the time, I pay little attention to email from the U.S. Embassy, but I received one today that caught my attention:

The U.S. Embassy hereby informs American citizens in Rwanda that all non-essential travel to the province of North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) should be deferred until further notice. The Travel Warning issued by Embassy Kinshasa dated April 24, 2007 remains in effect for the DRC.

According to media reports, as well as information provided by the UN Mission in Congo (MONUC) and the U.S. Embassy representative in Goma, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) stepped up military action against General Laurent Nkunda and his forces, using helicopter gunships and heavy artillery in the area of Mushake on December 4. Nkunda loyalists are moving from Kabati and Kilolirwe towards Kichanda and further north. Movements of forces on both sides, build-up of government troops, and continued clashes are expected. Numerous civilians are fleeing the region."

2 comments:

Melissa said...

Is this something to be concerned about for Kigali/surrounding areas, or just something scary because it's next door??

Katherine said...

There's no need to worry - the violence is contained within the DRC and Kigali is plenty far away!