Escalating Violence Forces Pakistanis to Take Refuge in Rwanda
Islamabad, January 30, 2025: Violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo intensified to such an extent that around 150 Pakistani nationals were left stranded in Goma. So, the Foreign Office of Pakistan has launched a safety campaign to free the Pakistani stranded nationals to move about easily.
Pak Goes on a Rescue Mission for its Stranded Nationals
The Pakistan High Commission, Kigali, Rwanda, immediately contacted authorities here to clear access to Rwanda for stranded citizens. So far, 75 people from Pakistan have moved to safe areas in Rwanda. Efforts are still on to take stranded people home.
M23 Rebels Take Over Goma; Battle Escalates
The M23 rebels overran Goma early this week. It has set a whole new level of conflict, and they are moving southwards towards the Kavumu and Bukavu areas, which is increasingly destabilizing the region and poses an ever-present threat to civilians.
Kigali High Commission Offers Lifeline to Pakistanis
In addition to ensuring that Pakistanis evacuated in safety, the High Commission in Kigali has ensured all people being relocated to Rwanda received their basic services; accommodation, food, and all supplies would be in place.
More Pakistanis Expected to Cross into Rwanda as the Situation Continues to Unfold
Furthermore, even more people in Pakistan may flee to Rwanda as the war at Goma does not seem to fade in the days ahead. The High Commission gets more citizens of the country geared up in terms of going on to help Rwanda.
Diplomatic Staff Remains in Contact with Stranded Pakistanis
The High Commission keeps direct lines of communication open to all Pakistanis who may require their services in Goma and its environs, ensuring that all support is made available to them.
Instability in North Kivu and in the region generally
It forms part of the larger strategic plan by the M23 rebel group to gain absolute control over the North Kivu Province, which has been exposed to armed struggle for decades. This is not an easy situation because Rwanda has a strategic interest in the mineral resources of the region.
Heavy Clashes and Casualties Erupt in Goma City
Violence in Goma has already killed more than 100 people, and nearly 1,000 have been wounded. As the situation escalates, residents of Goma are slowly emerging from their homes to view the damage. They are now deciding how to move forward in this uncertain future.
Conclusion:
International Cooperation is now very much in order because the situation in Goma is getting worse. In this regard, the Pakistani High Commission in Kigali is now stepping forward with urgent humanitarian aid. It is now underlining the growing need for timely assistance so that aid may effectively reach everyone in crisis.