Uganda Airlines has temporarily suspended its flights to Kinshasa following widespread violent protests in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) capital. The demonstrations, sparked by mounting tensions over the crisis in the eastern DRC, led to significant damage to foreign embassies, with several embassies looted and set on fire.
The unrest was fueled by public anger over the deteriorating security situation in Goma, the capital of the DRC’s North Kivu province, and the perceived inaction of the international community in addressing the violence. Protesters were seen blocking major roads, burning tires, and disrupting business activity in front of embassies, including those of the United States, France, and the United Nations peacekeeping mission. The exterior of the French embassy was torched, and the Ugandan embassy was also attacked and looted. Explosions were reported near the US consulate and the Rwandan embassy, adding to the chaos.
In response to the violence, Kinshasa’s governor, Daniel Bumba Lubaki, announced a ban on all protests in the city, though some peaceful demonstrations are expected to continue. Police commander Blaise Kilimbalimba urged demonstrators to disperse and warned that anyone found engaging in further disturbances would face serious legal consequences.
Meanwhile, fighting resumed in Goma on Tuesday after a brief respite. M23 rebels, who had intensified their assault on the city since Sunday, continued their advance, clashing with DRC military forces. According to local sources, the rebels have seized control of strategic areas near the Goma airport.
Uganda’s government confirmed the evacuation of United Nations personnel from Goma to Kampala, Uganda’s capital, as a precautionary measure amid escalating hostilities. Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem, emphasized that the relocation of non-essential staff was essential for their safety, with more updates on the evacuation expected.
The African Union (AU) has condemned the violence, calling for an immediate ceasefire from M23. The AU’s Peace and Security Council urged the rebel group to honor the August 2024 ceasefire agreement and pursue dialogue to resolve the ongoing crisis peacefully.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also expressed deep concern over the situation, reiterating calls for M23 to halt its offensive and withdraw from occupied areas. The UN reports that more than 400,000 people have been displaced in eastern DRC since the beginning of the year, underscoring the urgency of a peaceful resolution to the conflict.