Govt Tells Kenyans To Consider Evacuating DRC
This comes amid escalating clashes between security forces and the M23 rebel group, extending beyond the eastern region near the Rwandan border.
Marvin Chege 
The government of Kenya on Thursday, February 20 advised its citizens living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to consider evacuating the country.
This comes amid escalating clashes between security forces and the M23 rebel group, extending beyond the eastern region near the Rwandan border.
In a statement on Thursday evening, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi voiced deep concern over the worsening security situation, advising Kenyans in the DRC to remain extremely cautious and seek evacuation if necessary.
"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. 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 statement read in part.
Protests in the Democratic Republic of Congo. /AL JAZEERA
Mudavadi then made reference to a press statement on January 28 referring to recent attacks on Kenya’s embassy offices and personnel in Kinshasa. At the time, he disclosed that two members of staff at the Kenyan Embassy in the DRC had to escape after the premises were attacked by protesters. In a statement, Mudavadi disclosed that they had to seek refuge in another location, even though it was expected that their safety and that of their families would be assured by DRC authorities.
The Prime CS had noted that Kenya expressed deep concern about the attacks on the Embassy offices and personnel in Kinshasa, DRC by a riotous mob protesting the violent conflict in Eastern DRC, adding that the unwarranted attacks, looting, and destruction of property had also been directed at the Uganda embassy. He added that there were plans by demonstrators to storm and attack the South African, USA, and Belgian Embassies.
According to Mudavadi currently, "Kenya is worried about the escalation of conflict in the DRC." The conflict between the security forces and militant groups led by M23 that began in the Eastern part of DRC, on the Rwandan border, was revealed to have escalated rapidly and seemed to have spread to other parts of the country.
As per current reports, the United Nations (UN) has warned that M23's advances in eastern DRC pose a risk of escalating into a regional conflict. Concerns are mounting as the rebel group captures key cities, making strategic gains that have raised alarm within the UN.
The M23 armed group has been advancing into critical areas of the eastern DRC after seizing two major cities, highlighting the growing threat of wider conflict.
In recent weeks, the Rwanda-backed M23 has rapidly expanded its control, taking over large areas of eastern DRC, including Goma and Bukavu.
"We continue to urge the parties in the conflict to consider an immediate ceasefire, as adopted by the Heads of State and at the Joint East African Cooperation (EAC), and Southern African Development Community (SADC) High-Level meeting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania," he added.
