Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have imposed a ban on protests in the capital, Kinshasa, following violent demonstrations targeting several embassies, including those of France and the US.
Announcing the decision in a televised address on Tuesday night, Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba said the ban would take effect on Wednesday. He urged citizens to resume normal activities and conduct business freely.
The move comes after the US embassy in Kinshasa temporarily shut down and advised American citizens to leave the country amid escalating unrest.
Meanwhile, Congo’s Deputy Interior Minister Eugenie Kamba accused Rwanda of orchestrating the embassy attacks, an allegation Kigali has denied.
As tensions rise, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire in eastern Congo. Rubio expressed concern over the situation, particularly the reported capture of Goma by the M23 rebel group, which is alleged to receive support from Rwanda. He called for an immediate ceasefire and respect for Congo’s sovereignty.
Following the conversation, Kagame described the discussions as “productive” and stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict.
The M23 rebel group has intensified its offensive in eastern Congo, seizing key towns and advancing toward Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. The Congolese government, backed by UN and regional forces, insists its troops are still engaged in battle to defend the city.
Since last week, clashes between the Congolese army and M23 rebels have resulted in at least 42 deaths, including 17 foreign peacekeepers, with hundreds more wounded. The conflict has displaced over 500,000 people and further worsened the humanitarian situation.
While the M23 claims its actions are driven by grievances over alleged discrimination against the Tutsi community, the Congolese government accuses the group of destabilizing the region with external backing, particularly from Rwanda.