Goma, DR Congo – The United States Embassy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has issued an urgent advisory for American citizens in Goma to leave the city immediately due to escalating insecurity.
In a statement released on January 24, 2025, the embassy cited ongoing clashes between Congolese government forces and the M23 rebel group near Sake, a town just outside Goma, as a major threat to the city’s stability.
The embassy also highlighted reports of internet shutdowns in Goma and increased security checkpoints in and around the city, as well as near the DR Congo-Rwanda border.
“The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa strongly advises American citizens to relocate to safer areas while airports and border crossings remain operational,” the statement read.
Americans residing across North Kivu Province have been urged to ensure their travel documents are valid to facilitate an expedited departure. However, the embassy warned that no official evacuation assistance would be available, as U.S. government personnel are currently restricted from entering the province due to security concerns.
The advisory stressed the importance of following official guidance before the situation deteriorates further.
UK Issues Similar Warning
On January 23, 2025, the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) also called on British citizens to leave Goma. The UK government cited safety concerns due to heavy fighting in Sake earlier that day, underscoring the risk to civilians in the region.
The M23 rebellion has been a source of instability in eastern DR Congo, particularly in North Kivu Province. Since the resurgence of fighting in October 2023, thousands of civilians have been displaced, with Goma remaining on edge as rebel forces threaten to advance on the city.
Both the U.S. and UK governments have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian and security conditions in the region, urging their citizens to prioritize their safety.
