Brussels Airlines has announced that all its flights to and from the Congolese capital have been cancelled today (Wednesday 29 January). Two flights were scheduled to leave Brussels Airport at Zaventem (Flemish Brabant) today. However in a statement, the airline said that “The safety of our colleagues and passengers is and remains our priority” and both flights have been cancelled.
The airline promises that its staff will do everything in their power to inform all the passengers concerned and find alternatives for them. Brussels Airlines adds that flights will only resume once a thorough and meticulous assessment of the security situation has taken place.
The situation is deteriorating in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Goma, the largest city in the East of Country is now is largely in the hands of the anti-government armed group M23 and Rwandan troops.
In the country’s capital Kinshasa, angry demonstrators have attacked several embassies, including those of Rwanda. The Congolese authorities accuse Rwanda of having declared war on them. The embassies of Belgium, France, Kenya and the United States also came under attack. These countries have been criticized by the Congolese for their inaction in this current crisis.
Belgians advised to stay indoors
The Belgian Embassy in Kinshasa is in touch with Belgians that are in DR Congo. They have been advised to stay indoors and to follow the news and the advice given to them by the embassy.