Embassies Burn Amid Escalating DR Congo Conflict

According to the reports on Tuesday (28 January), the US and French embassies in Kinshasa, DR Congo, have been set on fire by an angry crowd, with armed protesters seen on the roofs. The protesters, accusing the US of supporting the M23 rebels, gathered to voice their opposition as tensions rise in the region. Looting has been reported in the city as violence escalates due to the ongoing conflict between Congolese forces and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. This comes as the rebels have claimed control over Goma, a strategic city rich in minerals.

The M23 rebels, originally active in 2012 before withdrawing under international pressure, have returned in force since 2021, allegedly with support from Rwanda, although Rwanda denies this claim. The capture of Goma, a key hub in eastern Congo, marks a significant intensification of the conflict. Thousands of residents have fled the city, some heading toward Rwanda, while others cheered the rebels’ advance or took shelter amidst the chaos.

In addition to the fighting, a fire at the Munzenze prison in Goma allowed over 2,000 inmates to escape. The situation in Goma is dire, with ongoing gunfire and uncertainty about the city’s control. The Congolese government has confirmed the presence of M23 rebels in the city but has yet to acknowledge their full control. The government has called for international support, declaring the country to be in a “war situation.”

The United Nations has expressed concern over the escalating violence, with the M23 rebels disregarding the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of Congo. A recent UN statement condemned the rebels’ actions and called for an immediate reversal of their advances. The conflict has caused massive displacement, with over six million people affected, and the death toll continues to rise as hostilities between the rebels, Congolese forces, and UN peacekeepers intensify.

References

• US and French Embassies Attacked Amid Escalating Conflict in DR Congo