Warden message
Increased Crime
May 14, 2009
The UN Mission in the DRC (MONUC) is reporting an increasing number of robberies against UN personnel in Kinshasa, including four incidents since last week. Two robberies occurred near City Market, and two took place on Blvd 30 Juin. All victims were traveling on foot when they were surrounded and robbed by groups of people. All incidents happened during daylight hours and in open view of crowds. In addition, the British Embassy reported an armed robbery of a British diplomat on April 28 when he was walking from the British Embassy to the Grand Hotel. The criminals jumped out of their vehicle and insisted that the diplomat get into their car. The diplomat refused, but gave them the money he was carrying. On the morning of May 2, a jogger was robbed by two criminals near the U.S. Ambassador’s residence. DRC is a high-crime country. Care should be taken when traveling, particularly when walking. The U.S. Embassy is located at 310 Avenue des Aviateurs; tel. 243-081-225-5872 (do not dial the zero when calling from abroad). Entrance to the Consular Section of the Embassy is on Avenue Dumi, opposite the Ste. Anne residence. The Consular Section of the Embassy may be reached, including for after hours emergencies, at tel. 243-81-556-0151 or 243-81-884-6681; fax 243-81-556-0169.