Security Message from the US Embassy

I thought I published this post a while ago, but apparently I never did.  Peace Corps sent this email out to volunteers last month, notifying us of the events that have been taking place in the DRC.  There is a travel restriction for PCVs to the Congo and they wanted us to notify all of our family and friends that we are safe here in Rwanda.  The rebel activities are taking place across the northern border of Rwanda;  I am living in the East (far from the northern border, Thank God) so I’m more or less safe from all hurt, harm, and danger.  Below is an email from the US Embassy to US Citizens with more details:

U.S. Embassy Kigali, Rwanda

Security Message for U.S. Citizens – Security Situation in the DRC

July 12, 2012

The U.S. Embassy alerts U.S. citizens to reports of ongoing heavy fighting between the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and various armed groups in many parts of the North Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). There are areas of high rebel activity in the DRC directly across the northern land border with Rwanda. Some of these armed groups have also attacked Congolese civilians, leading to a number of deaths. A UN peacekeeper in North Kivu was killed this past weekend. We urge U.S. citizens travelling in Gisenyi or the areas of Rubavu along the land border with DRC, including the areas of Volcanoes National Park that are adjacent to the border, to exercise extreme caution. The situation in Rwanda, including the border cities of Kibuye, Cyangugu, and Gisenyi, remains calm. Although there are currently no travel restrictions for official U.S. citizens within Rwanda, we continue to closely monitor the situation.

On July 9, 2012 and May 29, 2012, U.S. Embassy Kinshasa released “Emergency Messages for American Citizens” advising of armed groups, fighting, and military activity in the Lake Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We advise U.S. citizens residing or traveling in the DRC border areas to review the Emergency Message posted on U.S. Embassy Kinshasa’s website. U.S. citizens who reside in Rwanda but frequently visit the DRC should update their Smart Traveler Enrollment (STEP) to include an itinerary for “frequent visits” to the DRC.

The U.S. Embassy continues to urge U.S. citizens in Rwanda to remain vigilant, exercise caution, and avoid crowds, demonstrations, or any other form of public gatherings.

You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking the U.S. Embassy Kigali website or receiving consular information on Twitter. You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's, Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information.

Love and Peace Corps,

Dametreea

P.S.  Don’t fret for me, I promise to be safe and stay out of the high risk areas J Afterall, I’m trying to make it back to the US in two years…alive!