Kinshasa erupted into chaos as angry protesters stormed the streets, attacking embassies and demanding action over the ongoing M23 rebel offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The embassies of France, Belgium, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and the United States became the focus of their outrage, with smoke rising from the French embassy after it was set on fire.
The demonstrators accuse the international community of turning a blind eye to the bloodshed in eastern DRC, where the M23 rebels claim to have seized Goma, the largest city in North Kivu province. The protesters denounced countries they believe are complicit in the crisis, particularly Rwanda, which they allege supports the rebel group. Kigali, however, denies these claims.
France's foreign minister called the attack on its embassy "unacceptable." At the same time, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, condemned the violence as a "grave violation of international law." Tear gas filled the streets as police clashed with protesters burning tires and demanding accountability.
The unrest comes amid reports of worsening conditions in Goma, where fighting has left hospitals overwhelmed with casualties. At least 17 United Nations peacekeepers have been killed in recent clashes, including three South African peacekeepers during an attack on Goma airport.
The M23, a Tutsi-led rebel group, emerged in 2012 after breaking away from the DRC's armed forces, citing discrimination and ill-treatment. The group claims to fight for the rights of the DRC's minority Tutsi population, but its actions have caused untold suffering, as the region remains a hotbed of violence over control of critical mineral mines.
Allegations of Rwanda and Uganda's involvement have fueled the protesters' anger, with embassies of these nations bearing the brunt of their frustration. The violence has also highlighted the perceived complicity of Western nations, including France, Belgium, and the United States, due to their military support and aid to Rwanda.
As tensions escalate, the UN Security Council is expected to convene to discuss the humanitarian crisis. With Goma’s streets still unsafe and hundreds of injured unable to access medical care, one question looms large: Will the world finally take meaningful action, or will the cries of the DRC's people continue to fall on deaf ears?
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