Protesters in Kinshasa aggressively targeted foreign embassies, including those of the United States, France, Uganda, and Belgium, amid widespread anger over the rebel offensive by M23 supported by Rwanda. Demonstrations turned violent as protesters looted, set fires, and displayed anti-foreign sentiments, particularly directed against President Macron of France. The situation reflects rising discontent regarding foreign complicity in the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo.
In Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, hundreds of demonstrators launched attacks on foreign embassies and a United Nations facility as outrage escalated over a rebel offensive by the March 23 Movement (M23), which is reportedly receiving support from Rwanda. During the protests, participants burned tires and hurled stones at the U.S. Embassy, entering the construction site of a new embassy building without causing injuries.
The French Embassy was also attacked, resulting in a fire that French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described as “unacceptable.” Videotapes from Reuters depicted protesters breaching the embassy and stealing furniture, with messages expressing anger towards French President Emmanuel Macron, stating, “Macron kills in Congo.”
Additionally, violence erupted at the Ugandan Embassy, where protestors reportedly looted belongings and initiated fires. Further assaults occurred at the Belgian Embassy and the United Nations humanitarian office, prompting officials to seek refuge in a secure location during what has been characterized as “total chaos” by a UN official. \n
Rising tensions stem from widespread dissatisfaction with foreign governments’ perceived inability to quell the violence against Goma, a crucial city under threat from M23 rebels, whose actions are attributed to the influence of Rwanda. These grievances have intensified protests during the past week, reflecting broader frustrations with international complicity in the ongoing conflict.
The protest actions in Congo signify deep-rooted frustrations toward foreign intervention and support perceived to exacerbate internal conflicts. The M23 militia has been implicated in targeting the eastern regions of Congo, with accusations of external backing from Rwandan authorities. This situation has created a landscape of instability that affects governance and humanitarian conditions in the region, further fueling public anger against allies seen as ineffective or complicit in the ongoing violence.
The recent attacks on foreign embassies in the Democratic Republic of Congo highlight escalating tensions arising from the conflict in the eastern region, particularly concerning the influence of Rwanda on local militias. As public outrage grows, it becomes imperative for international parties to reassess their roles in the Congolese context to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
