Tensions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have erupted into widespread protests, with demonstrators attacking foreign embassies in the capital, Kinshasa. The French Embassy was briefly set on fire, though the blaze was quickly contained. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed the attack on X, stating that the situation was a direct result of Rwanda’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in the region.
Protesters have expressed outrage over Rwanda’s support of the M23 rebels in eastern Congo, a situation many blame on Rwanda’s complicity with France, Belgium, the United States, and other international powers. One protester, speaking to Reuters, voiced the frustrations of the Congolese people: “How many times should we die?”
The violence continued to spread, with demonstrators targeting other foreign diplomatic missions. Witnesses reported the Kenyan Embassy being attacked, and a Reuters journalist saw looters ransacking the Ugandan Embassy.
Congo’s Communications Minister, Patrick Muyaya, appeared on national television, calling for peace: “We have every right to express our anger, but let’s do it peacefully. Let’s not attack the consular infrastructures of countries accredited in Congo.” Despite this appeal, protests quickly spread across the city, with tire fires burning in the streets and violent clashes between demonstrators and police. Authorities responded by deploying tear gas to disperse the crowds.
The unrest coincides with a major military escalation in the eastern part of the country. On Monday, M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, seized control of the key city of Goma, marking a significant intensification of the decades-long conflict in the region.
The situation remains tense, with concerns growing over the possibility of further violence and diplomatic fallout.
