BRUSSELS (CHATNEWSTV) — Belgium’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has updated its travel advisory for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), urging all Belgians to avoid travel to the country due to escalating unrest.
“All travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo is currently discouraged,” the ministry said in a statement issued late Sunday.
The update follows violent protests in Kinshasa on Jan. 28, during which demonstrators targeted several locations, including the Belgian embassy. Authorities anticipate further protests in the coming days, with the possibility of demonstrations spreading nationwide. “These events can escalate rapidly into violence,” the ministry warned, advising Belgians in the DRC to avoid protest sites.
While foreign nationals are not typically the target of such unrest, they “remain susceptible to its consequences,” the statement added.
The ministry advised Belgians planning to travel to the DRC to postpone their trips and urged those already in the country to leave by their own means if possible.
Belgians in Goma were specifically advised to evacuate if they believe it can be done safely or to seek shelter in a secure location. Those in Bukavu were asked to reconsider the necessity of their stay and leave if possible.
Belgium’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said it is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with its embassy in Kinshasa.
