EU and France Condemn Recent Attacks on Embassies in DR Congo
The EU and France condemned attacks on embassies in the DRC amid protests against the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. Demonstrators are calling for international pressure on Rwanda, while Germany has canceled talks with Rwanda. The M23 has re-emerged in Goma, complicating the conflict further. Governments are advocating for protections for diplomatic missions in light of the escalating violence.
On January 28, 2025, the European Union (EU) condemned recent attacks on foreign embassies in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). EU’s foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas underscored the necessity for safeguarding diplomatic missions according to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Additionally, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot condemned the strike against France’s embassy in Kinshasa, asserting that these incidents are intolerable and that measures are being implemented to protect personnel and citizens.
The protests leading to the embassy attacks were fueled by advancing clashes involving the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in Goma, a significant city in the eastern DRC. Demonstrators urged the international community to exert influence on Rwanda regarding its alleged role in the conflict. Protest leader Timothee Tshishimbi decried the perceived hypocrisy of international observers, advocating for intervention to halt Rwandan activities.
In response to the escalating violence, Germany’s development ministry announced the cancellation of scheduled discussions with Rwanda and emphasized that cooperation would resume only when the M23 and Rwandan forces cease hostilities. This development highlights the tension surrounding foreign involvement in the DRC’s internal conflicts, as local sentiment grows against perceived complicity of foreign nations in the unrest.
The M23 rebels, recognized as one of more than 100 armed factions vying for influence in the DRC’s resource-rich territory, re-emerged in 2021 with renewed support from Rwanda. The rebels had previously overtaken Goma in 2012 before retreating under international pressure. Current reports indicate that the government of the DRC believes Rwandan military forces may be participating alongside the M23, complicating the already volatile situation in the region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced ongoing instability primarily due to the presence of numerous armed groups, notably the M23 rebels. These groups have exploited the country’s rich mineral resources, prompting tensions both within and outside its borders. Rwanda’s alleged backing of these rebels has heightened international scrutiny, led to protests, and resulted in demands for accountability from the global community. Diplomatic missions in the DRC are now under threat as protests escalate across the nation, revealing underlying issues of sovereignty and international relations.
The recent attacks on embassies in the DRC underscore a profound discontent with foreign involvement in the nation’s conflicts. The EU and France’s condemnations highlight the urgent need for diplomatic protection and resolution. With escalating tensions surrounding the M23 rebels and accusations against Rwanda, the situation remains critical, necessitating both immediate and long-term strategic responses from the international community to restore stability in the region.
Original Source: www.dw.com
