Protests in Kinshasa led to the looting and arson of several embassies, driven by frustration over the international community’s inaction regarding conflict in eastern DRC, particularly Goma. Police urged calm as violence escalated between rebels and the DRC army in Goma.
In Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), several embassies faced vandalism, looting, and destruction amid widespread protests. These demonstrations were fueled by frustration over the international community’s perceived indifference to the escalating violence in eastern DRC, particularly in Goma. Protesters took to the streets, disrupting daily activities and targeting foreign embassies, including the U.S. and French embassies, raising serious concerns among local authorities.
The unrest began as civil society groups mobilized citizens to express their grievances about the crisis in Goma, where violence has surged. Demonstrators blocked traffic, set fires, and chanted slogans directed at various embassies and the United Nations peacekeeping mission. The French embassy suffered arson, while the Ugandan embassy reported looting incident. Explosions were also reported near the U.S. consulate and the Rwandan embassy, indicating a volatile atmosphere in the area.
Amidst the protests, Blaise Kilimbalimba, the police commander, urged calm and warned individuals inciting violence of severe consequences. The situation in Goma remains tense, with renewed hostilities involving the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels continuing to clash with the DRC army. Local sources indicated that intense fighting resumed over control of key strategic areas, exacerbating the already precarious humanitarian conditions experienced by the civilian population.
The ongoing violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in Goma, has drawn criticism for the international community’s lack of effective intervention. The March 23 Movement (M23) has perpetuated conflict in the area, leading to an influx of internally displaced persons and significant humanitarian needs. The recent protests in Kinshasa reflect the citizens’ mounting frustration over governmental and international responses to these crises over recent years, particularly regarding the ongoing armed conflicts and their impacts on civilians.
In conclusion, the protests in Kinshasa have highlighted a critical disconnect between diplomatic actions and the dire humanitarian situation in southeastern DRC. As embassies face threats and local unrest escalates, the need for decisive international intervention has become increasingly apparent, especially to address the violence in Goma. The demonstrations signify a call for greater accountability and action from both national and international entities.
Original Source: english.news.cn
