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What we know about mayhem happening in DR Congo
What we know about mayhem happening in DR Congo
By: Nii Ammui Fio | 2 mins read
Chaotic protests have erupted in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as demonstrators express anger over what they call international inaction regarding the escalating conflict in Goma, the main city in the country’s east.
On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, protesters, responding to a call by a youth collective to “Paralyse the City”, gathered in the Gombe district and targeted several foreign embassies, including those of Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, France, Belgium, and the United States.
Furious demonstrators accused Rwanda and Uganda of actively supporting the M23 armed group, which launched a rapid offensive in North Kivu province with alleged backing from Rwandan troops.
M23 fighters seized control of Goma’s airport on Tuesday, following intense battles in the city’s streets. The conflict has heightened tensions across DR Congo, sparking violent reactions in Kinshasa.
Protests Turn Violent
Protesters in Kinshasa vandalized embassies, set fires, and looted buildings. The perimeter wall of the French embassy was set ablaze, with graffiti on it reading:👉 “Betrayal over a long period of time … let’s end it now.”
The Ugandan embassy was looted, with people seen carrying away furniture on motorcycles and taxis. Tyres were burned, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky, while supermarkets were also ransacked.
One protester, standing in front of the Rwandan embassy, shouted:👉 “Enough is enough, we’re going to destroy everything here. Today, we’re going to finish with Rwanda.”
International Response
The violent demonstrations prompted Belgium’s foreign ministry to issue a travel advisory, warning its citizens against visiting DR Congo. A statement from Belgian authorities noted:👉 “All travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo is currently discouraged.”
The warning followed an attack on the Belgian embassy in Kinshasa, as well as threats of further protests in the coming days. Meanwhile, national carrier Brussels Airlines canceled its Wednesday flights to and from Kinshasa, stating that operations would resume only after a “thorough and careful assessment of the security situation.”
France, the European Union, and Kenya have condemned the attacks on embassies, calling for calm.
The Conflict in Eastern DR Congo
The latest violence stems from the advance of M23 rebels, a Tutsi-led armed group, into Goma on Sunday night. Backed by Rwandan forces, the rebels have turned Goma into a battlefield, forcing thousands to flee as the city remains under siege.
With tensions rising and protests spiraling out of control in Kinshasa, the crisis in DR Congo has become a flashpoint for regional instability, drawing international concern over the escalating conflict.
