Supported Evacuations from Congo During Invasion by M23 Rebels

In the hours following Breaking News that Rwanda-backed M23 Rebels had taken the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Inherent Risks posted a Situation Report on LinkedIn with critical information collated from open source intelligence, and boots-on-the-ground Consultants.

As a result of the Report, we were contacted by a Lloyd’s insurance underwriter who explained that they led a Syndicate which had significant Accident & Health risks in the region, insuring mining companies and NGOs in DRC and Rwanda, including War & Terrorism cover.

The Underwriter wanted to understand our immediate capabilities to conduct emergency evacuations in the region, and further, made provisions to introduce us to their Brokers’ and their Clients’ in the countries, to arrange a Retainer to provide services with the goal of mitigating and managing their claims risks as proactively as possible.

Inherent Risks met virtually with all stakeholders where it was agreed that we would conduct a comprehensive risk assessment on the feasibility of conducting several emergency evacuation missions, from three locations in the DRC, for a total of 71-people, to either Rwanda, Uganda or South Sudan.

At the time of the meetings, the situation in DRC was rapidly evolving. The airport and airspace in and around Goma had been closed, and worst-case-scenario planning, our teams assessed options where all airspace was closed as had happened with no notice in similar situations in Sudan and Niger.

Three viable immediate action plans were drawn up, constantly reviewing as further intelligence was collated and assessed, including road moves, in stages, with safe havens en-route, and a charter flight option from two separate airfields.

While the mining company chose to shelter in place due to their geographical location to Goma, some 110kms away, the NGO decided to activate the emergency evacuation of their people and assets.

Inherent Risks continued to provide risk advisory and intelligence reports, which concluded in the successful evacuation of 31 staff members from Goma to Bukavu where they flew out of the following day.