Violent protests in Kinshasa saw demonstrators attacking embassies in response to the M23 rebel offensive in Goma. Accusations were directed at Rwanda and Uganda for backing the rebels, prompting calls for action against perceived international inaction.
Protests erupted in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as demonstrators expressed their outrage against the M23 rebel offensive in Goma. Rioters stormed several embassies, vandalizing properties and creating chaos by setting tires ablaze. The protests followed a call by a local youth collective named “Paralyse the City,” drawing hundreds of participants who accused foreign nations of complicity and inaction regarding the conflict.
The unrest in Kinshasa is rooted in the escalating violence in Eastern Congo, particularly in Goma, where the M23 rebel group has made significant territorial gains, allegedly with backing from Rwandan forces. The protesters voiced frustration towards various countries, including Rwanda and Uganda, accusing them of supporting rebel activities while asserting that international diplomatic efforts to address the crisis have failed. This sentiment fueled the violent demonstrations as a means of demanding accountability.
The protests in Kinshasa illustrate widespread frustration over the ongoing conflict in Eastern Congo, particularly concerning perceived foreign interference and inadequate international response. Demonstrators targeted embassies, expressing their anger and calling for serious action against Rwanda and its allies. The events are a striking reminder of the volatile political climate and the urgent need for diplomatic resolutions in such conflicts.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com