Tensions in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, have surged amid violent protests targeting foreign embassies. Demonstrations stem from M23 militia’s advances in the east, raising humanitarian crises and leading to looting and clashes with police. Despite embassy personnel’s safety assurances, the situation remains precarious. The UN reports worsening conditions in Goma, including food aid suspension and rising violence. Over 360 injuries and 17 deaths were noted recently, with 400,000 displaced this month alone.
Tensions Escalate in Kinshasa Amid Violent Protests
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo has escalated, with tensions spilling into the capital, Kinshasa. Violent protests have led to attacks on foreign diplomatic missions, raising concerns about safety and stability in the region. Meanwhile, the eastern part of the country faces a looming humanitarian crisis.
Attacks on Foreign Embassies and Humanitarian Challenges
During the recent unrest, embassies from countries including France, Rwanda, Belgium, and the Netherlands were targeted by demonstrators. Fortunately, the Belgian foreign ministry has reported that there is no immediate threat to the safety of embassy personnel or visitors. The Dutch foreign office indicated that the situation appears to be stabilizing, with local security forces providing protection to diplomatic facilities.
As for the German embassy in Kinshasa, it has not been affected by the protests thus far. The German foreign ministry reassured the public that embassy staff are maintaining close communication with crisis response teams and have implemented necessary precautionary measures.
In response to the escalating violence, Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development has canceled upcoming governmental consultations with Rwanda. A ministry spokesperson emphasized the need to halt the ongoing escalation and called for the withdrawal of rebel group M23 from Goma.
In Kinshasa, incidents of looting and arson have been reported as police employed tear gas to disperse crowds. Protesters are urging the international community to pressure Rwanda to cease its support for the rebels, a claim that the Rwandan government denies.
The unrest was sparked by M23’s advance in eastern Congo, where the militia has claimed control over the major city of Goma, home to approximately two million people. UN peacekeepers have also been drawn into the conflict, with reports of casualties among South African soldiers caught in the crossfire. An independent UN panel recently estimated that there are several thousand Rwandan soldiers present in eastern Congo, despite Rwanda’s denials of involvement with the rebels.
As fighting intensifies in eastern Congo, the humanitarian situation grows increasingly dire. The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes Region has called for an end to military offensives and for humanitarian workers to be granted unhindered access to Goma. This group comprises representatives from various countries and organizations, including Germany, Denmark, and the EU.
The UN has reported a temporary suspension of food aid in and around Goma, while humanitarian organizations like Caritas International continue to provide vital medical assistance despite the volatile conditions.
Furthermore, reports of sexual violence, looting, and assaults on healthcare facilities have emerged from Goma. The International Committee of the Red Cross has raised alarms about the potential release of dangerous virus samples from a local laboratory, including those related to Ebola. The regional director for Africa expressed grave concerns over the risk of power failure at the National Institute for Biomedical Research, warning of potentially catastrophic consequences.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has endured nearly three decades of conflict, a crisis that has largely faded from international attention. The recent violence has resulted in over 360 injuries and at least 17 fatalities reported in a single day, with the UN estimating that 400,000 people have been displaced in the region since the beginning of the month.
Previously, peace negotiations mediated by Angola between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda collapsed in December 2024, leaving the resource-rich provinces of North and South Kivu embroiled in ongoing conflict.