On Tuesday, protesters in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) attacked and set fire to the United States embassy in Kinshasa. Armed individuals were spotted on the embassy's roof as thick black smoke poured from the building. The demonstrators shouted slogans such as “death to imperialists” in a display of anger against foreign involvement in the country’s ongoing conflict.
The unrest follows a recent announcement by the March 23 Movement (M23), a rebel group, claiming control over Goma, the largest city in the North Kivu province. This has led to thousands fleeing the area. Since last week, the violence has resulted in the deaths of at least 17 United Nations peacekeepers, including three South African soldiers killed during an attack at Goma airport.
On Tuesday, M23 forces continued fighting to gain control of the airport, aiming to strengthen their hold on Goma. Protesters also targeted the embassies of France, Belgium, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, accusing these countries of supporting the rebel group. The demonstrators expressed frustration at what they see as insufficient diplomatic action from these nations.
In response to the violence, police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd, some of whom set tyres ablaze. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot condemned the attack as “unacceptable” in a statement on social media. He confirmed that the embassy fire was quickly extinguished.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, also expressed concern over the attacks, calling them a grave violation of international law. DRC Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya addressed the nation, urging peaceful demonstrations and emphasizing that the situation was under control.
This incident highlights the growing tension and instability in the DRC, as the violence surrounding the M23 rebels continues to escalate.