EAC CONVENES: GOMA MISSION STAFF EVACUATED

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000945 DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, AF/EX E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT ASEC CG SUBJECT: EAC CONVENES: GOMA MISSION STAFF EVACUATED ¶1. (SBU) Post convened an EAC meeting on October 29 to discuss the deteriorating security situation in Eastern DRC. Ongoing violence in the Eastern DRC indicates possible military and/or civil unrest within the city limits of Goma. EAC recommended continued travel ban to Eastern Congo and restricted movement to essential meetings only, and will continue to monitor the situation. ¶2. (SBU) Mission Staff Evacuated to Rwanda. At 1500 Kinshasa time, it was determined that the situation surrounding Goma had deteriorated significantly. The Regional Security Officer recommended evacuating USG staff from Goma. The Executive Office concurred with the recommended evacuation and notifications were sent out immediately. ¶3. (SBU) At 1707 Kinshasa time, all USG staff confirmed evacuation complete to Gisenyi, Rwanda. Post continues to monitor the situation and will report continuing developments. ¶4. (U) POC is RSO Christopher K. Gu at 243.81.884.4608 (cell) or 243.81.556.0151 ext. 2207 (IVG 934) BROCK