Emergency Embassy Warning: DRC

On 9 July 2012 the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa issued the following Emergency Message: “The U.S. Embassy alerts U.S. citizens to the dangers of travel to the province of North Kivu due to heavy fighting between FARDC and various armed groups including ex-CNDP deserters (referred to as M23). According to reports, M23 has either taken or has elements present in or near the towns of Bunangana, Rutshuru, Rumangabo, and Ntamugenga and may intermittently control portions of the north-south road north of Goma. The situation is fluid and is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. The US Embassy in Kinshasa has strictly limited travel by official personnel to North Kivu. Travel to that region for Embassy personnel will only be permitted under exceptional circumstances until further notice.”