What started as a peaceful rally erupted into a storm of violence and destruction in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital on Tuesday, as protesters set fire to embassies, including the United States embassy, to denounce the international community’s response to the ongoing conflict in Goma.
The protests, which began early in the day, quickly descended into chaos as hundreds of angry demonstrators, some on foot and others riding motorcycles, took to the streets of Kinshasa’s upscale Gombe district. The demonstrators were responding to a call from the youth collective “Paralyse the City,” a group that has been vocal in its criticisms of the international community’s handling of the crisis in eastern DRC.
At the center of the protests was the escalating conflict in Goma, the main city of North Kivu province. Over the weekend, the armed rebel group M23, with reported support from Rwandan troops, launched a rapid offensive that saw them seize control of Goma, including its strategic airport. The protesters, furious over what they see as insufficient action by foreign governments, targeted multiple embassies, including those of Rwanda, Uganda, France, Belgium, and the United States.
“We’re Going to Destroy Everything”
The intensity of the protests was palpable as demonstrators clashed with security forces and vandalized embassy properties. At the Rwandan embassy, one protester was heard shouting, “Enough is enough, we’re going to destroy everything here. Today, we’re going to finish with Rwanda,” as a crowd cheered in agreement.
Thick plumes of smoke rose in the background as tires were set ablaze, signaling the protesters’ determination to express their anger. The French embassy was also targeted, with its perimeter wall set on fire and graffiti scrawled on its exterior reading: “Betrayal over a long period of time… let’s end it now.”
Protesters accused Rwanda and Uganda of actively supporting the M23 rebels, a claim that has been a central point of tension between the DRC and its eastern neighbors. Rwanda, in particular, has long been accused of backing the rebel group, though it has repeatedly denied any involvement in the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, Belgium, France, and other Western powers were also singled out for their perceived inaction. “The international community is silent, and our people are dying,” one protester declared as they confronted the Belgian embassy. “What are they doing? Are they just watching as our country burns?”
Looting and Destruction at Other Embassies
The protest spread quickly, with demonstrators targeting several other foreign missions in the city. The US embassy, one of the most prominent Western representations in Kinshasa, was not spared from the fury of the protesters. Fire erupted around the embassy compound as flames engulfed parts of the building. The protesters held signs accusing the United States of neglecting the plight of Congolese civilians and failing to hold Rwanda accountable for its alleged role in the crisis.
Further violence unfolded at the Ugandan mission, where protesters looted the premises, stripping it of furniture and belongings, which were carted away on motorcycles and taxis. Witnesses described scenes of utter chaos as windows were smashed and furniture was thrown onto the streets.
The Roots of the Protest: The Goma Crisis
The unrest in Kinshasa is deeply linked to the broader geopolitical and military conflict in eastern DRC. For weeks, the M23 rebel group has been intensifying its offensive in North Kivu, and Goma’s fall on Sunday marked a significant escalation in the violence. M23’s rapid advance into Goma has left thousands displaced, as residents flee the city in search of safety.
The group, originally formed in 2012, has been a destabilizing force in the region for over a decade. Although its military activities were temporarily curtailed, the M23 resurfaced in late 2021, renewing its insurgency in the region. With the backing of Rwanda, according to Congolese officials, the group has been able to make significant military advances in the province, including the capture of Goma.
The international community’s response to the crisis has been met with criticism. While the United Nations has deployed peacekeepers in eastern DRC, their presence has done little to stop the rebel group’s advancement. The absence of significant action by the United States, European nations, and the African Union has fueled frustrations among Congolese citizens, leading to the fiery protests in Kinshasa.
“We Are Suffering, and Nobody Is Helping”
For many in Kinshasa, the violence in Goma represents a broader pattern of neglect by the international community. “We are suffering, and nobody is helping,” said one protester, her voice shaking with emotion. “The world watches as our country is destroyed by rebels, and no one does anything to stop it.”
The protest in Kinshasa is a reflection of the deep-seated anger and despair felt by many Congolese citizens who feel abandoned by their government and the international community. The embassies, seen as symbols of foreign influence and power, have become the focal points of that anger, and the violence in Goma has only served to inflame those sentiments.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, the question remains whether the international community will take more decisive action to address the crisis. For now, however, the protests in Kinshasa show no signs of abating, and the embassies targeted in the violence may face further attacks if their governments do not take more immediate steps to resolve the situation.
A Call for Action
In response to the violence, the Congolese government has condemned the destruction of foreign embassies, calling for peaceful dialogue and restraint. However, with tensions running high and the conflict in Goma escalating, it remains unclear whether the anger of the protesters can be quelled without significant international intervention.
“The Congolese people are demanding justice,” one activist in Kinshasa said. “And if the world continues to turn a blind eye, they will face the consequences.”
As the situation in Goma continues to unfold, the eyes of the world will remain on the DRC, where the stakes are growing higher by the day.
Jakande Estate Residents Vow to Resist Demolition, Accuse Lagos Government of Court Contempt
Residents of Jakande Housing Estate in Lagos have vowed to resist the Lagos State Government’s plans to demolish their homes, alleging that the government’s actions amount to contempt of court. The affected homeowners, many of whom have lived in the estate for over 40 years, insist that their properties are structurally sound and legally owned.
The controversy erupted after officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) marked homes within Phases I-IV of the estate, also known as Dolphin Estate, as “distressed.” Residents argue that this designation is unjustified and serves as a tactic to displace them.
