Kinshasa – The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa has issued an emergency security alert, advising all American citizens in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to leave the country immediately due to a rapidly deteriorating security situation.
The notice, released on February 3, 2025, also confirmed a further reduction of U.S. personnel at the embassy, signaling heightened concerns over the escalating crisis in the capital.
“The Embassy advises U.S. citizens in the DRC to depart immediately via commercial means,” the security alert stated.
“Due to the security situation in Kinshasa, the U.S. Embassy will not be conducting any visa interviews and will not be able to offer routine services for U.S. citizens.”
This urgent advisory comes amid growing instability in the DRC, with reports of advancing rebel forces, increased political tensions, and fears of a broader conflict engulfing Kinshasa.
The security alert did not specify the exact nature of the threat, but it follows recent developments in the region, including the capture of Goma by M23 rebels and the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF), as well as reports of the rebels advancing toward Bukavu with ambitions of pushing further west towards Kinshasa.
Escalating Crisis
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The situation has sparked fears of potential clashes in the capital, raising concerns for the safety of foreign nationals, including diplomats, aid workers, and expatriates.
The embassy’s advisory urged American citizens to take immediate action by departing immediately using available commercial flights from N’Djili International Airport in Kinshasa and ensuring travel documents are in order and that essential items, imncluding medication, clothing, and personal identification, are packed in easy-to-carry bags.
The embassy also provided emergency contact information for American citizens requiring urgent assistance, while emphasizing that U.S. government support may be limited due to the volatile security environment.
In addition to advising citizens to leave, the U.S. has further reduced its diplomatic footprint in Kinshasa. This move underscores the severity of the situation and reflects growing fears of instability spreading to the capital.
The U.S. Embassy will not be conducting any visa interviews and will not be able to offer routine services for U.S. citizens!
The statement read indicating a significant reduction in operations.
International Concern Mounts
The U.S. advisory adds to the growing chorus of international concern over the escalating conflict in the DRC. The United Nations, European Union, and several African nations have already expressed alarm over the deteriorating security situation following the aggressive territorial gains by M23 and the reported involvement of RDF forces.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced plans to reinforce South African troops in the DRC, while calling on Rwanda to withdraw its forces from Congolese territory, further highlighting the growing regional tensions.
