Islamabad (Web Desk): The Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday announced that 75 Pakistani nationals have been relocated to Rwanda due to the worsening conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to a statemen by FO, around 150 Pakistanis had been trapped in Goma after the escalation of violence.
"Through the diligent efforts of Pakistan's High Commissioner in Kigali, Ambassador Naeemullah Khan, Rwandan authorities have permitted the entry of stranded Pakistani citizens into Rwanda. As of now, about 75 individuals have successfully crossed into Rwanda," the statement said.
The FO further explained that the Pakistani High Commission in Kigali has arranged for shelter and provisions for those affected and is in contact with the local Pakistani community to identify any others who may be in need of assistance.
"There is a possibility that more Pakistanis will seek refuge in Rwanda in the coming days. The high commission is staying in touch with each person who has requested help and is also extending support to Pakistani nationals in the border city of Bukavu," the statement said.
The press release included details for any Pakistanis requiring assistance to reach out via WhatsApp at (+92 333 5328517).
Meanwhile, the ongoing violence in the eastern DRC has intensified, with the M23 rebels capturing most of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.
The DRC’s president has pledged a strong military response against the rebels, who are reportedly supported by Rwanda. This is a significant escalation in a conflict that has plagued the region for over a decade, with many armed groups vying for control over the mineral-rich territory.
This conflict, deeply rooted in historical tensions, particularly linked to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has contributed to continued instability in the region.
The worsening situation has prompted urgent calls for action from international organizations and regional bodies, as well as from the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), the United States (US), and China, all of which have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.