Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani had a telephone conversation today with the Italian Ambassador to Kinshasa to ascertain the condition of his compatriots in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where there is ongoing unrest in Goma, following the entry of Rwandan M23 militias, and protests and assaults on several embassies in Kinshasa.
The Italian Embassy in Kinshasa is in constant contact with compatriots in the country. There are 15 Italians left in Goma, most of whom are religious, cooperators and regular residents. At the same time, our Embassy in Kampala, responsible for Rwanda, has been activated in case assistance is needed across the border.
Some compatriots have already left for Rwanda. In particular, the case of Marco Rigoldi, who arrived with his pregnant wife in Kigali after an exit from the country followed by the Embassy in Kinshasa, the Crisis Unit and the Embassy in Kampala, has been positively resolved.
In Kinshasa, the fast deterioration in North Kivu led to a strong wave of protests directed against the Embassies of some countries. The Italian Embassy was not involved.
