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Warden Information

Kidnapping and Robbery

The U.S. Embassy has seen a marked increase in crime over the last several weeks.  In the last week there have been two robberies outside of Embassy facilities and one burglary of an Embassy home/office.  Notably, in two of the incidents it appeared that U.S. Government employees were specifically targeted.  Targeting of Americans has not been noted in recent years; the Embassy considers this change serious and is taking additional safety and security precautions.  Crime is likely to increase if the economy continues to deteriorate.

KIDNAPPING & ROBBERY

On January 25 an American working at the U.S. Embassy was approached outside an Embassy facility by four individuals in a dark colored sedan..  One person spoke English, flashed a badge and instructed him to get in the vehicle.  Another person got out of the vehicle and approached him from behind.  The American citizen got in the vehicle and then was robbed at gun point.  He was driven several kilometers and then released without being harmed. 

This is a common tactic used in Kinshasa.  Normally, the perpetrators repeatedly demand that their victims hand over their identification and get in their car.  Once the passport or other ID is in the hands of the perpetrator, the victim feels obliged to get in the car.  Once in the car, the victims are driven to a remote area where they are robbed of all of their belongings and cash.  In most cases, the victims are then dropped off in the downtown Kinshasa area and left unharmed.

Victims should cooperate if threatened with a weapon.  They should try to distance themselves from the perpetrators’ vehicle and politely refuse their demands.  They should immediately call for help, as their mobile phones may serve as a visual deterrent.

It is important to review the following guidelines to mitigate any chances that you will fall victim to these types of robberies:

  • Avoid traveling alone.
  • Avoid carrying large sums of money.
  • Do not get in a vehicle with someone you do not know.
  • Always carry your cell phone.
  • Do not carry your passport.  Always have a copy.
  • When confronted, continue to walk in the opposite direction and towards witnesses.
  • Cooperate if threatened with a weapon. Nothing is more valuable than your life.
  • Past incidents were foiled due to the victim’s ability to stall for time and through the solicitation of assistance from onlookers.

AGGRESSIVE STREET GANGS

The Embassy has received recent reports that aggressive street gangs, locally known as “shegue”, are increasingly exploiting slowed traffic and pedestrians for their panhandling schemes.  If not handled properly, these confrontations have the potential to escalate into a serious situation.  The Embassy recommends that all U.S. citizens follow the below procedures when confronted and/or detained by aggressive panhandlers:

  • When stopped, keep doors locked and windows up, and remain in the vehicle.
  • Stay calm and make every attempt to de-escalate the confrontation.  Do not make any communications or
  • gestures that can provoke an aggressive reaction.  Normally, the radio or cell phone is a good visual deterrent and will hopefully deter would be perpetrators from targeting your vehicle. 
  • NOTHING IS MORE VALUABLE THAN YOUR LIFE.  If threatened it is best to comply with their request.

 As always, Americans are urged to use caution when traveling in the DRC and to be prepared for sudden changes in the safety and security situation throughout the country.

Americans who are not already registered with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa should do so.  Americans in eastern Congo along the border with Rwanda should consider also registering with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kigali.  Registration for both Embassies may be completed online at: https://travelregistration.state.gov

or by calling the Embassy in Kinshasa at: 081-884-4609 or Kigali at: 250-505-602.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassies to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa is located at 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, tel. 243-081-225-5872 (Do not dial the zero when calling from abroad).  The Consular Section of the Embassy may be reached at tel. 243-081-884-6859 or 243-081-884-4609; fax 243-081-301-0560 (Do not dial the first zero when calling from abroad).  For after-hours emergencies please call 081-225-5872 or 081-556-0151.