US Embassy in Kinshasa reduces staff, urges citizens to leave DRC Immediately
US citizens have been urged to ensure their travel documents are up to date and have essential items packed in easily transportable bags.
The United States Embassy in Kinshasa has announced a further reduction in its staff, citing the deteriorating security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In an alert on Monday, the embassy directed all US citizens currently in the country to leave immediately using available commercial flights.
More To Read
As a result of the escalating situation, the embassy said it has suspended visa interviews and routine consular services for US nationals.
“Due to the security situation in Kinshasa, the US Embassy will not be conducting any visa interviews and will not be able to offer routine services for US citizens,” the embassy said.
US citizens have been urged to ensure their travel documents are up to date and have essential items packed in easily transportable bags.
“Make sure that your and your family’s travel documents are in order and essential items are packed in bags that you can easily carry. We understand that border crossings remain open for transit and many flights are departing from N’Djili Airport in Kinshasa,” it said.
For those unable to leave immediately, the embassy has called for contingency plans, including securing sufficient food and water supplies, preparing for extended stays at home if necessary, and having an emergency action plan that does not depend on US government assistance.
“Review your personal security plans and ensure your family has enough food and water should you need to stay home for several days,” the advisory read.
Citizens have also been urged to avoid crowds, remain vigilant, monitor local media for updates, and maintain a low profile.
The embassy has provided emergency contact numbers and resources for those in need of assistance.
US citizens can reach the Consular Section via phone at +243 81-556-0151/0152 or +243-972-616-193 for after-hours and weekend emergencies. They can also contact [email protected] for consular support.
The US State Department has further advised American citizens to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time security updates.
Last week, protesters in Kinshasa targeted multiple foreign embassies in response to the ongoing M23 rebel group offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Demonstrators attacked the embassies of Kenya, France, Belgium, Rwanda, Uganda, and the United States, with smoke rising from the French embassy after a fire broke out.
The protesters condemned international inaction over the conflict and accused these nations of complicity in Rwanda’s alleged support for the rebel group, a claim that Kigali denies.
Police used tear gas to disperse the crowds, some of whom burned tyres and clashed with officers.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musali Mudavadi condemned the incident saying, “Kenya is deeply concerned by the attacks on our embassy offices and personnel in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by a riotous mob protesting the violent conflict in Eastern DRC.”
“The violent attacks, looting, and destruction of property are a grave violation of international law.”
France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, also condemned the attack on the embassy, calling it “unacceptable.”
He confirmed the embassy briefly caught fire but assured that the blaze was quickly controlled.
In response, DRC’s Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya urged protesters to remain peaceful and avoid violence against consular premises.
He later noted that the situation was under control.
Top Stories Today
