French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels tighten their grip on Goma, an official from the presidency confirmed on Thursday.
Giscard Kusema, Deputy Director of Press for President Felix Tshisekedi, stated that Barrot was set to meet the Congolese leader shortly after his arrival. A French diplomat also confirmed the minister’s landing, which comes amid the most significant escalation in the eastern conflict since 2012.
France’s foreign ministry has not commented on the visit, but Barrot told parliament on Wednesday that a diplomatic solution was necessary and that France would support mediation efforts between the conflicting parties.
Tensions in Kinshasa have also risen, with protesters storming foreign embassies, including the French mission, on Tuesday, prompting police to respond with tear gas. The unrest stems from growing frustration over the conflict, which has drawn widespread international condemnation, with the United Nations warning of a potential regional war.