I. Latest News from DR Congo
According to reports, on the morning of July 3, a mining site in Ituri Province of DR Congo was attacked by suspected armed group "CODECO," resulting in the deaths of at least 4 Chinese citizens. In Ituri and South Kivu provinces, mining sites and ore transport convoys are frequently targeted. Recently, various social security incidents have occurred frequently in DR Congo, causing numerous casualties and a sharp rise in social security risks, requiring vigilance from Chinese enterprises and personnel in the country.
At the regular press conference on July 4, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that on July 3, a Chinese private enterprise in DR Congo was attacked by armed assailants, resulting in deaths and disappearances of several Chinese citizens. China strongly condemns the attack and is maintaining close communication with Congolese authorities to search for the missing Chinese citizens.
II. Recent Major Security Incidents
(1) On June 30, local residents in Rubero, North Kivu Province, suspected two Congolese soldiers of colluding with M23 and burned them to death, leading to clashes with security forces that resulted in 3 civilian deaths. Another youth was lynched after being suspected of being a "Mai-Mai" militia member. (2) On July 1, the Congolese army announced that on June 30, they used helicopters to bomb CODECO militia strongholds in Jigu, Ituri Province, killing 12 CODECO members, wounding 23, with 3 soldiers seriously injured. (3) On July 1, armed militants attacked a Tearfund NGO convoy in Butembo, North Kivu, killing 2 staff members and burning 5 jeeps. (4) On the night of July 1-2, several violent incidents occurred in Goma, North Kivu: a woman was killed by unidentified assailants in Bujovu district, and two civilians were shot in Mugunga district. On July 2, Goma residents protested these incidents. (5) On July 2, clashes resumed between Congolese forces and M23 near Kirumba town in Rubero, North Kivu.
III. Important Embassy Reminders The security situation in DR Congo remains complex and severe. Following the foiled coup attempt on May 19, uncertainties and instabilities persist. Security continues to deteriorate in North Kivu, Ituri, and Tanganyika provinces. Intense clashes between government forces and M23 near Goma have frequently affected civilian areas. Illegal armed groups including ADF, CODECO, Mai-Mai, and Zaire militias continue operations in North Kivu, Ituri, and Haut-Uele provinces. Violent conflicts, armed robberies, and kidnappings occur frequently, maintaining high security risks for Chinese citizens. The Chinese Embassy in DR Congo reminds all Chinese citizens to prioritize safety. Those in Kinshasa should closely monitor local developments, enhance security measures, and avoid complacency. Maintain contact with colleagues and family when going out, and avoid risks when detected. Chinese institutions in high-risk areas should implement maximum security measures, reduce non-essential personnel, and prepare contingency plans. Exercise caution in tropical disease-prone areas and maintain personal hygiene protection when necessary. Chinese citizens are advised against travel to extreme-risk areas including Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Haut-Uele provinces. Those currently in these areas should evacuate or relocate immediately. Those near Goma should beware of volcanic eruptions and toxic gases; those in South Kivu should prepare for severe weather. Non-essential travel should be avoided to 9 other provinces. Unregistered Chinese citizens should complete registration with the Embassy immediately. Chinese gold mining enterprises and individuals must register promptly. Those who refuse registration and insist on staying in high-risk areas assume full responsibility for consequences. (Source: Chinese Embassy in DR Congo, AFP)
Given DR Congo's security situation, Chinese citizens are reminded to enhance safety awareness and protection measures. In emergencies, contact local police or Chinese diplomatic missions immediately. DR Congo emergency numbers: +243-818906284, +243-816770006, +243-827205000 Chinese Embassy consular protection: +243-851474669 MFA Global Consular Hotline: +86-10-12308 or +86-10-65612308