Shift to safer locations, India tells expats in strife-hit Congo

JOHANNESBERG: The Indian embassy in Kinshasa, Congo, Sunday said it is closely monitoring the security situation in the central African country and asked Indian nationals in Bukavu "to immediately depart to safer locations." The embassy issued three advisories during the day and recommended that everyone prepare an emergency plan. There are about 1,000 Indians in Congo.
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels captured the eastern city of Goma and are looking at expanding their area of control.
"There are reports of M23 being only 20-25km away from Bukavu. Given the security situation, we again advise all Indian nationals residing in Bukavu to immediately depart to safer locations by whatever means available while the airports, borders and commercial routes are still open. We strongly recommend against any travel to Bukavu," the advisory said.
According to an AP tally, at least 773 people have been killed in Goma and its vicinity this week amid fighting with Rwanda-backed rebels, who captured the city in a major escalation of a decade-long conflict. India Friday called for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.