US orders immediate departure of citizens from Kinshasa

The United States has issued a fresh travel advisory for its citizens in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, urging them to depart immediately due to escalating security threats.

In a statement on Monday, the US Embassy announced a further reduction of its personnel and warned that it would suspend visa interviews and routine services for American citizens.

“The Embassy advises US citizens in DR Congo to depart immediately via commercial means,” the embassy said. 

At the same time, the advisory instructed US nationals to ensure their travel documents were in order and keep essential items packed for an expedited evacuation.

"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," it stated.

Commercial flights from N’Djili International Airport in Kinshasa remain available, and border crossings are open for transit.

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So far, more than 700 people have been killed in eastern DRC in a week, amid the ongoing conflict.

Several airlines last month suspended travel into the country, as the humanitarian crisis worsens.

Later this week, Presidents Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame are expected to attend a joint meeting of SADC and EAC Heads of State to agree on resolving the conflict.