By Our Reporter
KINSHASA
On Tuesday, police in the capital, Kinshasa had a busy day as they fired tear gas at protesters who attacked several embassies in response to the ongoing conflict in the country’s east by the M23 rebels.
The protesters, who appeared unruly, targeted the embassies of countries they believe are complicit in Rwanda’s support of the M23 rebels, who have recently seized control of Goma, the provincial capital of eastern DRC. The embassies that were attacked include France, the United States, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya were among those targeted.
Uganda’s state Minister for Foreign Affairs, Okello Oryem, revealed on his social media account that the Ugandan embassy in Kinshasa was looted, with property such as chairs and tables being stolen. He expressed deep sadness and regret over the incident.
A protester was heard shouting, “All of this is because of Rwanda. What Rwanda is doing is in support of France, Belgium, the United States, and others. The people of Congo are tired. How many times should we die?”
Protests broke out across the city, with demonstrators burning tires and clashing with the police, who used tear gas to disperse the crowds.
The M23 rebels believed to be acked by Rwanda, marched into Goma on Monday, marking a significant escalation in the three-decade-long conflict.
Witnesses reported that protesters attacked the Kenyan embassy, and soldiers present did not intervene. A local reporter also witnessed the looting of the Ugandan embassy.
In a televised address, Congo’s Communications Minister, Patrick Muyaya, called on protesters to cease their attacks. He later announced that the situation had been brought under control.
“We have every right to express our anger, but let’s do it peacefully. Let’s not attack the consular infrastructures of countries accredited in Congo,” Muyaya urged.
