Protesters in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, attacked and looted several embassies Tuesday in response to escalating violence in the country’s east, where rebel forces—reportedly backed by Rwandan troops—have launched a major offensive.
Demonstrators vandalized diplomatic buildings and set fires during chaotic protests against what they called the “inaction” of the international community regarding the conflict in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. The unrest followed a call to action by a youth collective urging a citywide shutdown.
Hundreds of protesters, traveling on foot and motorcycles, gathered in Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, Kinshasa’s, upscale Gombe district and targeted the embassies of Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, France, Belgium, and the United States. Many accused Rwanda and Uganda of supporting the M23 armed group, which launched an offensive in North Kivu with alleged assistance from Rwandan forces, seizing control of Goma’s airport on Tuesday after intense street battles.
Protesters also targeted other embassies, blaming them for a lack of diplomatic intervention. The perimeter wall of the French embassy was set on fire, with graffiti reading: “Betrayal over a long period of time … let’s end it now.”
Outside the Rwandan embassy, one demonstrator shouted, “Enough is enough, we’re going to destroy everything here. Today, we’re going to finish with Rwanda,” as crowds cheered. Nearby, thick black smoke rose from burning tires.
The Ugandan embassy was looted, with protesters removing furniture on motorcycles and taxis. Demonstrators also stormed the Belgian and U.S. diplomatic missions.
