In a dramatic outburst of public anger, protesters in the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kinshasa, stormed multiple embassies and set tyres ablaze on Tuesday.
The unrest was sparked by mounting frustrations over the ongoing M23 rebel offensive in the eastern city of Goma, with demonstrators condemning both regional actors and the perceived inaction of the international community.
Responding to a “Paralyse the City” call by a youth collective, demonstrators on foot and motorcycles gathered in Kinshasa’s Gombe district, targeting the embassies of Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, France, Belgium, and the United States.
Angry chants and graffiti on the French embassy wall highlighted grievances against long-standing diplomatic ties. Some protesters accused Rwanda and Uganda of directly supporting the M23 rebels, who recently captured significant portions of Goma, including its airport, following intense clashes with government forces.
The looting of the Ugandan mission, along with fires set near the French embassy, underscored the chaotic atmosphere. Despite Rwanda’s denial of involvement, accusations persist, fueled by UN reports estimating the presence of Rwandan troops in eastern Congo.
Goma remains in turmoil as M23 rebels claim to have established control over much of the city. Streets are littered with debris, bodies, and injured civilians seeking treatment in overwhelmed hospitals. UN officials have expressed concerns over escalating violence and the “breakdown of law and order” in the region.
The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations are warning of severe shortages of food and essential services as rebel advances have disrupted aid distribution. Reports of sexual violence and civilian casualties have surfaced, compounding an already dire humanitarian crisis.
Global leaders have called for a resolution to the conflict. Rwandan President Paul Kagame, facing mounting international pressure, has urged a ceasefire, while Pope Francis appealed for peace and protection of civilians. The US Secretary of State emphasized the need for respect for Congo’s sovereignty.
The conflict, fueled by decades of political instability and ethnic tensions, traces back to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. M23, a predominantly ethnic Tutsi militia, first captured Goma in 2012 before withdrawing under international pressure. Their current resurgence poses significant challenges for the Congolese government and regional stability.
Observers fear that if unresolved, the crisis could escalate into a wider regional conflict, drawing parallels to the wars in the 1990s that resulted in millions of deaths.
Al Jazeera, ABC News, and the Wall Street Journal contributed to this report.
