Overview:
Uganda Airlines suspends flights to Kinshasa amid escalating violence and safety concerns, grounding services until further notice.
KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda Airlines has suspended flights to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, indefinitely, citing safety concerns after Ugandan property was targeted in violent protests.
The flag carrier, which normally operates five weekly flights to Kinshasa, said the suspension is necessary as it reviews the volatile situation in the DRC capital.
“Flights will remain suspended until the situation on the ground normalizes,” the airline stated.
An airline official noted that flying into an environment where Ugandan property is being targeted by calculated violence would be risky.
The violent protests in Kinshasa erupted after the fall of the provincial capital of Goma to rebels of the M23 Movement.
The Ugandan mission, along with those of Rwanda, Kenya, and France, were targeted by angry residents, with videos showing chaotic scenes of vandalism and arson.
DRC government officials have accused Rwanda and Uganda of supporting the rebels, who have taken control of Goma for the second time in 13 years.
The accusations have been followed by weeks of inflammatory rhetoric, contributing to the tense atmosphere.
Uganda Airlines has advised ticket holders to contact its Global Call Centre for assistance.