Protests in Kinshasa against the M23 rebel offensive result in violence and embassy attacks. Demonstrators accuse Rwanda and Uganda of backing the rebels, leading calls for international accountability. The protests underscore public frustration with foreign diplomatic efforts amid escalating violence in Goma.
Protests erupted in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as demonstrators took to the streets against the recent offensive by the M23 rebel group. Many individuals participated in rioting, targeting multiple embassies, as they expressed their anger over the perceived inaction of the international community amid the escalating violence in Goma, the main city of the eastern region.
On Tuesday, following a call to “Paralyse the City” by a local youth collective, protesters gathered in the affluent Gombe district. They targeted the embassies of various nations including Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, France, Belgium, and the United States, alleging that these countries supported the M23 group’s aggression. The situation in North Kivu escalated when M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwandan troops, took control of Goma and its airport.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as demonstrators voiced their frustrations with aggressive chants. One protester was reported saying, “Enough is enough, we’re going to destroy everything here. Today, we’re going to finish with Rwanda.” The atmosphere was intense, with thick smoke from burning tyres adjacent to the embassies reported.
Protesters expressed their sentiment of betrayal on the premises of the French embassy, where graffiti was seen stating, “Betrayal over a long period of time … let’s end it now.” Other embassies, including those of Belgium and the United States, faced damage, while the Ugandan mission was looted, with individuals leaving the premises on motorcycles and taxis carrying away furniture.
The recent protests in Kinshasa stem from widespread discontent over the ongoing violence in the region. The M23 rebel group, which has been active in eastern Congo, has garnered accusations of receiving support from neighboring countries, notably Rwanda and Uganda. The situation in Goma has become critical, prompting local youth groups to rally community discontent towards foreign diplomatic responses perceived as ineffective or passive regarding the conflict.
In conclusion, the protests in Kinshasa highlight the growing frustrations of the Congolese public towards the international community’s response to the violence inflicted by the M23 rebel group. The demonstrations, characterized by vandalism and targeted attacks on foreign embassies, reflect deep-seated grievances about foreign interventions and support in the region, emphasizing the need for an effective and responsive diplomatic strategy to address the crisis.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
