News About Congo

Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Fighting in Uvira (South Kivu, DR Congo)

U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Fighting in Uvira
September 28, 2017

The U.S. Embassy has received reports of violent clashes and fighting between government forces and militia groups in and around the area of Uvira in South Kivu. As the security situation has degraded significantly around Uvira, the Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Uvira and exercise caution in all parts of South Kivu.
 
The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to remain aware of your surroundings and take appropriate steps to enhance personal security. U.S. citizens should review the Travel Warning for the DRC and remain alert for potentially dangerous situations. 
 
For further information:
 
· See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for the DRC.
· Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
· Contact the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa, located at 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, at +243-081-225-5872 (Do not dial the zero when calling from abroad); the Consular Section at tel. +243-081-884-6859 or +243-081-884-4609 from Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is 081-556-0151.
· Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
· Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
 

Suspected Ebola Virus Disease kills 17 in Congo

The western Kasai region of has a suspected ebola virus outbreak. This is a remote area, so if it is confirmed to be the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) then it is good possibility of containing it to that area. Remember EVD is just a plane ride from the US. 

https://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/suspected-ebola-virus-kills-17-in-drc-78064

Medical experts from the World Health Organisation flew to central Congo on Thursday to investigate the deaths of 17 people with Ebola-like symptoms, said state radio.

The deaths occurred over several weeks starting on November 17 in Dekese, a small village about 700km east of the capital, Kinshasa, said United Nations officials.

At least 30 people - including the 17 dead - exhibited symptoms similar to Ebola, said Auguy Ebeja, a doctor with the French aid agency, Medecins Sans Frontieres, or Doctors Without Borders.

"It is a hemorrhagic fever, but we still have to check whether this is Ebola or not," said Ebeja. "We are getting prepared to deal with an emergency situation."\

Follow the link above for more details or contact Woody Collins.

Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Soccer Match on September 5, 2017

Tensions must be still simmering in Kinshasa, if, the US Embassy issues a warning about an upcoming soccer match.
From: <[email protected]>

Date: Tue, Sep 5, 2017 at 2:35 PM
Subject: Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Soccer Match on September 5, 2017
To:

U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Security Message for U.S. Citizens  
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Soccer Match on September 5, 2017
September 5, 2017
 
 
On Tuesday, September 5, 2017, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s soccer team will be playing against Tunisia. The match will take place at the Stade des Martyrs and is scheduled to begin at 1800. As a result of the match, there may be crowds on roads around the Stadium or at other points in Kinshasa.
 
Areas and roads which are typically affected include:
 
· Kintambo
· Poids Lourds
· Blvd. Lumumba (Airport Road)
· Blvd. 30 Juin
· Blvd. Triomphal
· Ave. 24 Novembre
· Ave. Du Camp Militaire (Mercedes Circle)
 
However, please note that crowds can form throughout the city.
 
The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings since even gatherings intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. U.S. citizens should review the Travel Warning for the DRC and remain alert for potentially dangerous situations. 
 
For further information:
· See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for the DRC.
· Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
· Contact the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa, located at 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, at +243-081-225-5872 (Do not dial the zero when calling from abroad); the Consular Section at tel. +243-081-884-6859 or +243-081-884-4609 from Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is 081-556-0151.