Protesters demanding action over the M23 rebel group’s offensive in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have attacked several embassies in the capital, Kinshasa.
Crowds of demonstrators attacked the embassies of France, Belgium, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and the United States and smoke could be seen rising from the French embassy after a fire erupted.
Protesters denounced international inaction over the conflict, targeting the embassies of countries they accuse of complicity in Rwanda’s alleged support for the rebel group, which Kigali denies.
Speaking on national television, DRC’s Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya urged protesters to demonstrate peacefully and refrain from violence against accredited consular infrastructure. He later said the situation was under control.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke separately with the presidents of the DRC and Rwanda about the escalating conflict, according to spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
When asked if any progress was made toward ending the conflict, Dujarric told reporters: “The crisis in eastern Congo has been going on for decades, it’s not going to be solved in 24 hours.”
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