Home Europe Protests erupt in DR Congo as M23 rebels advance towards Goma

Protests erupt in DR Congo as M23 rebels advance towards Goma

by editor

In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), dozens of protesters stormed foreign embassies in Kinshasa on Tuesday, voicing their frustration over the advancing M23 rebel group in the eastern region of the country. Demonstrators targeted embassies including those of France, Belgium, and Rwanda, demanding international intervention to halt the rebel advance.

Police response and escalation of violence

The protests turned violent as police deployed teargas to disperse the crowd, which reportedly engaged in looting and setting fire to parts of the diplomatic missions. Eyewitness accounts confirmed that the embassies of Kenya and Uganda also faced attacks, adding to the growing unrest in the capital.

Security forces in the DRC are grappling with the M23 rebels, who have made significant territorial gains, including moving towards Goma, a strategic city in the east that has been a focal point of conflict for decades. The M23 is one of approximately 100 armed groups operating in the mineral-rich eastern region, which has been a hotspot for violence stemming from ethnic tensions and competition for resources.

Demands for international action

The protesters called for the international community to exert pressure on Rwanda, which they accuse of backing the M23 rebels. “We denounce the international community’s hypocrisy,” stated Timothée Tshishimbi, one of the protest leaders. “They must tell Rwanda to stop this adventure.”

Reports from Goma, a city of 2 million people, indicate ongoing gunfire and explosions as the rebels claimed to have taken control of the area. Residents expressed fear and uncertainty about the current situation, with one local, Sam Luwawa, remarking, “Since morning we have heard bomb explosions and crackling bullets. So far we cannot say who really controls the city.”

“What is unfolding in Goma is coming on top of what is already one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth,”

Bruno Lemarquis, the United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Congo, highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Goma. He reported that combat zones have emerged throughout the city, forcing civilians to seek shelter from heavy artillery fire. Tragically, the Charité Maternelle Hospital in central Goma was struck by several shells, resulting in casualties among civilians, including newborns and pregnant women.

The toll on peacekeeping forces has also been severe, with three South African peacekeepers killed in a mortar attack on Monday near Goma airport. This brings the total number of peacekeepers and foreign soldiers killed in recent violence to 17, according to military officials.

The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with around 6.5 million people displaced across the country. Many residents of Goma rely on aid, but access to assistance has been severely restricted due to blocked roads and the closure of the city’s airport.

In response to the escalating situation, several countries, including France, the UK, and the US, have condemned Rwanda for its alleged support of the M23 rebels. Conversely, the Rwandan government has accused Kinshasa of failing to adhere to previous peace agreements, leading to what they describe as a “sustained defensive posture.”

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