Protesters in Kinshasa have attacked the embassies of several countries, including France and the United States, in response to the M23 rebels’ activities in eastern DRC. Claims of international inaction have surged, prompting fierce clashes with police. The situation in Goma remains critical, with numerous casualties and an urgent call for humanitarian intervention by the UN Security Council.
Protesters in Kinshasa have targeted the embassies of France, Belgium, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and the United States, amid escalating tensions regarding the M23 rebel group’s activities in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Demonstrators denounced the perceived inaction of the international community and accused these nations of complicity in Rwanda’s alleged support for the rebels, claims that Rwanda has consistently denied.
On Tuesday, demonstrators attacked the French embassy, which caught fire but was quickly brought under control. Police attempted to disperse the crowd using tear gas while some protesters engaged in violent acts, including burning tires and clashing with law enforcement. The Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs expressed deep concern over the attacks, advocating for the protection of diplomatic missions and personnel.
DRC’s Communications Minister, Patrick Muyaya, called for peaceful protests and warned against violence directed at diplomatic property. Meanwhile, the M23 rebel group claimed to have seized Goma, a strategic city in North Kivu, leading to significant violence that has reportedly resulted in numerous casualties, including the deaths of UN peacekeepers.
The humanitarian crisis in the region is dire, with hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of injured individuals unable to seek help due to the ongoing conflict. The UN Security Council is anticipated to convene to address the escalating situation and discuss the pressing humanitarian needs arising from the conflict.
Analysts suggest that local sentiment in the DRC largely perceives Rwanda and Uganda as exacerbating the conflict, while Western support for these nations is also scrutinized. The M23 group, primarily composed of Tutsi fighters, claims to advocate for the rights of the Tutsi minority in the DRC, although it has faced widespread criticism for its operations.
The rise of the M23 rebel group in the eastern DRC has been marked by accusations against Rwanda for allegedly supporting the insurgents. The M23 originated from a faction of discontented soldiers in the Congolese military in 2012, claiming to fight for the rights of the local Tutsi population. The region has been fraught with armed conflict, as numerous groups vie for control over mineral-rich territories, contributing to a volatile humanitarian situation and regional tensions.
The attacks on multiple embassies in Kinshasa reflect heightened frustrations regarding the ongoing conflict fueled by the M23 rebels. The actions of protesters echo a broader discontent with international inaction and perceived complicity in the violence perpetrated by the rebels. With Goma at risk and healthcare facilities overwhelmed, the United Nations is poised to address the worsening humanitarian crisis amid international scrutiny on Rwanda and its allies.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
