It is a wait and see situation for Kenyans living in the troubled Democratic Republic of Congo as various areas remain on edge.
A.S, a Kenyan, is a quantity surveyor working for a mining company in the expansive country in Kolwezi in the southern part.
Though this area that neighbours Zambia has not had much disturbance, the residents, especially foreigners, remain alert, with local security agencies giving advisories.
Violence erupted in eastern DRC last week after the rebel group M23 escalated its march to occupy strategic territories.
The group took over Goma city in North Kivu province and assassinated the military governor that administers the area. It has vowed to march to capital Kinshasa, threatening a bloody confrontation with the army FARDC.
A.S told the Star that they live through daily threats of escalation of violence in the southern part as natives feel agitated over the unending conflict.
“We are generally safe but alert because citizens feel upset by the instability. For now, we sleep with one eye open,” A.S said.
The Congolese citizens expressed their frustration last week and staged violent riot in Kinshasa, attacking embassies of Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Rwanda, France and US.
They expressed outrage at perceived inaction by the international community. A.S says the citizens have not expressed any xenophobic traits, especially against Kenyans, but there has been threats of similar protests.
“Kolwezi is not the theatre of the agitation but even today [February 4], some groups have threatened protests here. We hope that they will not target foreign nationalities,” he said.
The man from Kisii says he remains in close contact with his family back home and takes extra-precaution to know his environment and remain safe.
The Kenyan embassy in Kinshasa on Tuesday gave advisory to Kenyans in larger DRC to be on the watch out as there were planned protest in the capital on the day.
There is a large population of Kenyans in Goma, North Kivu as Equity bank opened a branch in the market a few years bank.
There are also Kenyan traders doing motorcycle businesses, among other ventures in the mineral-rich country.
Movement between Kenya and DRC has progressively become easier over the last few years after the expansive country joined the
E East African community.
Kinshasa reciprocated Nairobi’s waiver of visa requirements, making movement of Congolese and Kenyans into the two countries visa-free.
There is no clear data on the number of Kenyans living in the populous country.
“In connection with the possible holding of protests in the city of Kinshasa on February 4, 2025, the embassy wishes to advise all Kenyan citizens to avoid both protest areas and demonstrations,” the Kenyan embassy advisory reads.
The embassy further urged the Kenyan Diaspora to be aware of their surroundings, monitor local information for updates, exercise caution and notify friends and family of their safety.
They should move when necessary and stay away from crowds and in case they are on the move, they must ensure they have copies of valid identification documents, it says.
“Be aware of random checks by the security personnel who may need you to show passport and other identification documents [and] ensure you have valid work/business visa for those doing business in DRC and a validly stamped entry visa for those on temporary visit,” it adds.
For entrepreneurs, it says, they must ensure they have contacts of the local police to enhance security and secure business should need arise.
The embassy says it remains alert
and is monitoring the evolving state
of affairs, and will keep the Kenyan
diaspora community in DRC informed of any new developments.
