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Chinese Embassy Issues Travel Advisories for DRC Amidst Security Crisis

July 27th, the Chinese Embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo issued a notification on the security situation:

On July 21, the Congolese health department released data on Ebola outbreaks. A total of 2,473 confirmed cases and 999 deaths have been reported in five provinces.

(II) On July 16th, a convoy of merchants traveling from Goma to Walikale was ambushed by armed individuals.

(III) On July 16th, the Democratic Allied Forces (ADF) carried out another attack, resulting in at least 10 civilian deaths.

Currently, the security situation in Congo (RDC) is complex and severe. A new wave of Ebola outbreaks has occurred in the eastern part of the country. The security situation in North Kivu and South Kivu has deteriorated sharply, with continuous intense fighting between the Congolese army and M23 rebels. The security situation in Ituri and Upper West Africa is also not optimistic. Illegal armed groups such as M23, ADF, CODECO, May-May militias, and Zaire militias continue to cause trouble in provinces like North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, and Upper West Africa. Violent conflicts, armed robberies, and kidnappings occur from time to time. The security risks faced by Chinese citizens in Congo remain high.

The Chinese Embassy in Congo (Rwanda) reminds all Chinese citizens in the Congo to pay close attention to security issues. Chinese citizens are not allowed to travel to highly insecure areas such as Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Upper West Africa. Chinese citizens and enterprises still residing in these areas should evacuate or move to safer locations as soon as possible. Do not travel to the following nine provinces unless necessary: Luaraaba, Katakata, Lower West Africa, Tanganyika, Manema, Central Kasere, Sankuru, Lomami, and Upper Lomami.

Local Chinese citizens who have not yet reported their information to the embassy should do so as soon as possible. Enterprises and individuals that have just started gold mining activities should also report their information to the embassy (reporting website: https://www.wjx.cn/vm/mIDINTY.aspx#). Those who refuse to report their information and continue to travel or stay in the aforementioned areas will be responsible for any consequences arising from such actions.

The Chinese Embassy in Congo (Kinshasa) reminds Chinese citizens in Congo to closely monitor the development of the Ebola epidemic, effectively enhance their awareness of prevention, take responsibility for their own health, and strengthen personal hygiene protection. Do not travel to epidemic areas such as Ituri Province. Try to reduce unnecessary outings and cross-regional movements, avoid crowded places, avoid contact with wild animals, and avoid physical contact with confirmed patients and suspected infected individuals. If you feel unwell, please seek medical examination and treatment at a regular hospital in a timely manner. Chinese citizens and Chinese-funded enterprises in Congo should further improve their epidemic prevention and control plans, strengthen health monitoring of personnel and reserve emergency supplies, reduce gatherings, and enhance the hygiene management of offices and residences. If an epidemic occurs in your area, please cooperate with local health authorities to carry out isolation, testing, and epidemiological investigations.

Chinese citizens conducting business in the region of Kinshasa, the capital, should pay close attention to the local situation, strengthen security measures, and absolutely avoid complacency and luck-based thinking. When going out, be vigilant and stay in touch with relatives, friends, and colleagues. If any risks are detected, take timely precautions. Chinese-funded institutions located in areas where security conditions have deteriorated significantly should take concrete measures, continue to invest in security at the highest standard, reduce non-essential personnel, and prepare emergency plans for adjusting production and personnel arrangements in case of emergencies.

Chinese citizens must be vigilant against telecom fraud. Pay close attention when receiving strange calls to avoid being deceived.

In case of an emergency, please report to the police immediately and contact the embassy.

Congolese (DRC) Police Hotlines: +243-818906284, +243-816770006, +243-827205000

Foreign Affairs Ministry Global Consular Protection and Service Emergency Hotline (24 hours): +86-10-12308 or +86-10-65612308

Consulate in Congo: Consular protection and assistance telephone: +243-851474669