Sun Feb 02 16:31:58 UTC 2025: ## India Urges Citizens to Flee Eastern Congo Amidst M23 Rebel Advance
**JOHANNESBURG, February 2, 2025** – The Indian Embassy in Kinshasa has issued urgent warnings to its approximately 1,000 citizens in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to evacuate immediately following the capture of Goma by M23 rebels. The rebels, backed by Rwanda, are reportedly only 20-25 kilometers from Bukavu, prompting fears of further expansion.
Three separate advisories were issued throughout the day, urging Indian nationals to leave while transport routes remain open. The embassy stressed the need for emergency preparedness, advising citizens to carry essential documents, supplies, and to monitor local news. Contact information was provided for emergency assistance.
While the Indian government previously stated that most of the roughly 1,000 Indians residing in Goma had already relocated to safer areas, this latest advisory underscores the escalating threat in eastern DRC. India maintains around 1,200 troops serving with the UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) in the region. New Delhi has called for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
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