Belgium warns citizens against travel to Democratic Republic of Congo

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) - Belgium warned its citizens on Wednesday against all travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo following violent protests in Kinshasa, including incidents targeting the Belgian embassy.

Belgium's Foreign Ministry warned of potential further demonstrations, which "can quickly escalate into violence," in a travel advisory.

It urged Belgians in the country to avoid protest sites and those planning a visit to "postpone their trip."

Belgian citizens who are still in Goma have been asked to leave "by their own means while they still can, and if they believe that this can be done safely."

Meanwhile, those in Bukavu are advised to "reassess whether their presence is necessary" and leave if possible.

The ministry assured that it is "closely monitoring developments on the ground in close cooperation with the embassy in Kinshasa."

Violent demonstrations erupted Tuesday in Congo’s capital Kinshasa in front of several embassies, including that of Belgian, where a gate was set on fire.

Congo and others accuse neighboring Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group. Rwanda, however, denies the allegations.

The M23 says it is defending the interests of minority Congolese Tutsis, whom they believe are discriminated against for their ethnic links to Rwanda’s Tutsi community.