Worsening violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has led to warnings against all travel there from Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the cancellation of Brussels Airlines flights to Kinshasa and other airline routes to DRC cities. “All travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo is currently discouraged,” the travel advisory said.
Background
A country rich in minerals and metals that are vital to the world tech industry, the DRC has long-suffered atrocities at the hands of competing ethnic militias and rebel groups supported by bad external actors, including, the UN has confirmed, from neighbouring Rwanda. Millions of refugees have been displaced over three decades amid weaponised sexual violence, genocidal massacres, and the use of child soldiers.
More recently, another half million have fled since the beginning of 2025 and the DRC severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda on 26 January 2025 as violence has once again surged.
What is happening now?
The country’s largest eastern city, Goma, an administrative and economic hub, appears to have been seized by so-called “M23” rebels. The AFP reports at least 100 dead and 1000 injured. Over 4000 prisoners have escaped and are now running free as terrified residents barricade themselves indoors.
Meanwhile in the capital Kinshasa, several international embassies have been targeted by violent protests, including that of former colonial power, Belgium, which was hit by an arson attack. The Congolese are demanding transnational action to prevent Rwanda supplying rebel groups with logistical help, weapons and forces.
Congolese population, mainly youth, protested against Congolese security forces that failed them. Tt was after #Goma, the main city in eastern #DRC, fell under control of #M23 rebels.
— Samson Kasujja (@SamKasujja) January 28, 2025
Protests are reported in #Kinshasa and #Bukavu. pic.twitter.com/o0jl5SSc6w
Closed airspace and flight cancellations
As well as the threat to the local population and visitors already in the Republic, the escalation in violence has led to concern for the safety of international personnel. Unsurprisingly, travel disruptions affecting passengers have ensued, with Brussels Airlines cancelling two flights (SN 357 – SN 358) to Kinshasa due to “the current events” and the “tense situation”.
Other carriers have confirmed they are also monitoring the situation. Ethiopian Airlines and Jambojet cancelled flights to Goma after UN special representative and head of the local peacekeeping mission, Bintou Keita, said the M23 rebels had closed the airspace over Goma, trapping UN personnel and civilians. Flightradar24 data indicates no flights have taken place since, though the airspace is now said to be secured.
As for those on the ground in DRC, erstwhile Belgian Foreign Affairs Minister Bernard Quintin advised they stay indoors and follow official updates and guidance. The Belgian Embassy in Kinshasa is said to be in contact with Belgian nationals in the area.
