Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured Goma in eastern Congo and are trying to expand their control. During the fighting, 773 people were killed in and around Goma.

In view of the situation, the Indian Embassy in Kishasa, Congo has issued an advisory for its citizens on Sunday. In the advisory, all Indian citizens in Bukavu have been asked to immediately move to safer places.

Advice to prepare an emergency plan

There are about 1,000 Indian nationals in Congo. M23 is reported to be only 20-25 km from Bukavu. All Indian nationals in Bukavu are advised to immediately move to safer places through airports, borders and commercial routes by whatever means available. Prepare an emergency plan. Carry necessary identification and travel documents at all times. Carry items like medicines, clothes, travel documents, ready-to-eat food, water in a bag which is convenient. Also keep an eye on local media channels for every update.

The Indian Embassy also said it is collecting information about Indian nationals in Bukavu and has asked them to immediately send relevant information such as full names, passport numbers, addresses in Congo and India, contact numbers and other details. The new advisory also provides a number (+243 890024313) and a mail ID (cons.kinshasas@mea.gov.in) for Indian nationals to contact in case of emergency.

773 people died in Congo civil war

The conflict with M23 rebels has intensified in Goma, Congo's largest city in the east, and surrounding areas. At least 773 people have been killed in the conflict within a week. According to Al Jazeera's report, the M23 rebel group and the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) have continued their march towards the city of Bukavu, having taken control of the provincial capital Goma earlier this week.

The M23 is one of more than 100 armed groups operating in eastern Congo, a region rich in minerals needed for global technology. The group is supported by about 4,000 Rwandan troops, according to UN experts.