Protests erupt in Kinshasa against the M23 rebel offensive in Goma, targeting embassies and burning tyres. Demonstrators accuse Rwanda and Uganda of support for the rebels, expressing frustration over international inaction. Tensions culminate in vandalism and looting of diplomatic missions, reflecting widespread anger and desperation.
In a surge of unrest, demonstrators took to the streets of Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), to protest the perceived inaction of the international community regarding the conflict engulfing the city of Goma. Rioters targeted several embassies, including those of Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, France, Belgium, and the United States, amidst chaotic scenes marked by the burning of tyres and extensive vandalism.
The protests were ignited by a call from a youth collective under the slogan “Paralyse the City.” Hundreds of enraged citizens made their way to the upscale district of Gombe, accusing Rwanda and Uganda of supporting the M23 rebel group, which has recently captured Goma following violent confrontations in the North Kivu province.
Demonstrators took control of Goma’s airport on Tuesday after significant fighting. Frustrated by what they view as diplomatic negligence by foreign powers, protesters expressed their fury verbally and through destructive actions. Thick smoke rose from burning tyres nearby, and anti-government graffiti was hastily scrawled on embassy walls.
The unrest resulted in damage to several diplomatic missions, particularly the French embassy, where slogans condemning betrayal were painted on its wall. Protesters looted the Ugandan embassy, taking furniture with them on motorcycles and taxis, reflecting the escalating anger towards foreign intervention in the DRC’s internal conflicts.
The backdrop to these protests is rooted in the longstanding conflict in eastern DRC, particularly in the city of Goma, where the M23 rebel group has gained a stronghold with alleged support from neighboring Rwanda and Uganda. Tensions have escalated due to the failure of international diplomacy to address these conflicts effectively, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among the Congolese population. This recent wave of protests highlights the desperation and anger felt by many who perceive their grievances to have been overlooked by the global community.
The protests in Kinshasa underscore the deep frustration among the Congolese regarding foreign governments’ roles in the ongoing violence in their country. As tensions escalate, the targeted attacks on embassies signify a call for accountability and intervention to address the conflict in Goma. This unrest highlights the urgency for international actors to reconsider their stance and involvement in the DRC’s affairs.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
