Protests Erupt in Kinshasa as Demonstrators Target Embassies Amid M23 Crisis
Protesters in Kinshasa attacked multiple embassies, including those of France, Belgium, and the United States, due to anger over the M23 rebel group’s offensive. The unrest, marked by fires and clashes with police, reflects accusations against foreign nations perceived as complicit in supporting the rebels. The DRC government urges peaceful protests as the conflict escalates.
In Kinshasa, demonstrators have launched attacks on several embassies, including those of France, Belgium, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and the United States. These protests are in response to the ongoing offensive of the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), highlighting widespread anger over perceived international inaction regarding the conflict. Smokes were seen rising from the French embassy after a fire broke out amidst the chaos on Tuesday.
The protesters have expressed their outrage at countries they accuse of complicity in supporting Rwanda, which allegedly backs the M23 rebel group—an accusation that Rwanda has consistently denied. France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, termed the attack on their embassy as “unacceptable” while confirming that the fire was extinguished quickly. As unrest grew, police deployed tear gas to disperse mobs that were burning tires and clashing with law enforcement officers.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, stated his government is deeply concerned about the violent outbursts against their embassy in Kinshasa, characterizing these actions as a serious breach of international law. In a plea for peaceful protests, DRC’s Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya indicated that the situation is currently under control, urging demonstrators to respect accredited consular properties.
Meanwhile, the M23 rebels have claimed to seize control of Goma, the largest city in North Kivu province, which has resulted in heightened violence leading to numerous casualties, including deaths among United Nations peacekeepers. The M23 has emerged as a prominent armed group in the region, fighting for the rights of Tutsi communities and vying for control over vital mineral resources in eastern DRC.
There are ongoing allegations that Rwanda and Uganda are exacerbating the conflict in eastern DRC, leading to public sentiment against their embassies. Reports indicate that the situation on the ground remains fluid, yet there are slight signs of reduction in gunfire in Goma, as both Congolese forces and their allies continue efforts to confront the rebels. As hospitals struggle to manage the influx of casualties, the UN Security Council is scheduled to convene to deliberate on the crisis.
The recent attacks on embassies in Kinshasa stem from intensified violence driven by the M23 rebel offensive in eastern DRC. The M23 has garnered a reputation for escalating tensions in the region, which is already fraught with numerous armed groups vying for control over lucrative mineral resources. The accusations that Rwanda supports M23 add complexity to the conflict, with public sentiment turning against foreign embassies accused of complicity in the situation. Diplomacy efforts are now urged to address the humanitarian crisis resulting from the unrest, revealing pressing international relations challenges in the region.
The protests in Kinshasa reflect deep-seated frustration towards perceived international inaction concerning the M23 rebel group’s aggression in eastern DRC. The resulting unrest has led to attacks on several foreign embassies, raising grave concerns about the safety of diplomatic missions and further complicating the humanitarian crisis existing in the region. As international powers convene for discussions, the urgent call for a peaceful resolution resonates louder amidst the ongoing turmoil.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
