US Orders Families of Government Personnel in Congo to Leave

Family members of US government officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) should leave the country, the US Department of State said in a security message on Wednesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The message also noted the State Department has authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency US personnel at the embassy in Kinshasa.

"As a result of the deteriorating security situation, the Department of State ordered the departure of family members of US government personnel," the message stated.

Violence started between security forces and demonstrators on September 19 in response to what was perceived as President Joseph Kabila's attempt to stall the upcoming elections.