Several African nations have denounced attacks on their diplomatic missions in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as protests erupted over allegations of Rwandan support for M23 rebels who claim to have seized Goma.
Protesters targeted the French, U.S., and UN offices, along with African embassies from Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, accusing them of aligning with Rwanda, which Kinshasa alleges assisted the rebels. Video footage showed Rwanda’s embassy set ablaze, though no diplomats were present at the time.
Kenya criticized the attacks as a grave violation of international law, blaming DRC security forces for failing to act. Rwanda condemned the destruction of its rented embassy office, labeling it a symptom of “self-destruction” in the DRC. Uganda suspended flights to Congo and promised a parliamentary briefing on measures to ensure the safety of Ugandans in the country.
The M23 rebels have intensified fighting in Goma, a city of strategic and economic importance, reportedly leaving parts of the city under divided control. Clashes have killed at least 25 people in Goma, nine in Rwanda, and several peacekeepers, including South Africans and Malawians.
South Africa condemned Rwanda’s alleged support for the rebels, with President Cyril Ramaphosa urging a ceasefire during talks with Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Analysts suggest the M23 aims to control eastern Congo’s resource-rich areas, including deposits of coltan and gold, while citing grievances over discrimination against Tutsi communities.
The Congolese government accuses the M23 and Rwanda of destabilizing the region, further complicating efforts to restore peace in the mineral-rich territory.