Bhuj professor stranded in Ebola-hit DR Congo returns to India after government intervention

A Bhuj-based assistant professor who was stranded for nearly a month in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to border restrictions linked to Ebola concerns has been able to return to India following coordinated efforts by Indian diplomatic missions and government authorities.

Dr Amin Sama, an assistant professor at Shri R R Lalan College in Bhuj, had travelled to Rwanda on May 15 through Kigali International Airport. He later legally entered Goma city in eastern DRC to visit a childhood friend and had planned to continue onward to Tanzania.

However, Rwanda shut its border with the DRC within days amid concerns over an Ebola outbreak, leaving Dr Sama unable to return to Kigali. As a result, he missed his scheduled flight back to India on May 31 and remained stranded in Goma.

Seeking assistance, Dr Sama approached authorities in Gujarat. Officials coordinated with the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian diplomatic missions handling matters related to Rwanda and the DRC.

According to officials, representations were made to relevant authorities on June 10, while embassy officials remained in contact to explore options for his safe return. Throughout the period, Dr Sama stayed in touch with officials and informed them that he had not visited any Ebola-affected area and was willing to comply with any medical screening, quarantine, testing or immigration requirements.

As his rescheduled return flight on June 18 approached, efforts were intensified to secure the necessary clearances. On June 17, he received the required transit and travel permissions, enabling him to proceed with his journey back to India.

Dr Sama expressed gratitude to the authorities and officials involved in facilitating his return, stating that their assistance had been crucial during a difficult situation.

Officials said the case was resolved through coordination between government agencies, diplomatic missions and authorities in the region, allowing the stranded Indian citizen to return home safely.