Protest Erupts in Kinshasa as Anti-Foreign Sentiment Escalates Amid Rebel Conflict

Protests in the Democratic Republic of Congo highlight rising anger towards foreign nations, particularly the U.S. and France, as rebel violence intensifies in the eastern regions of the country.

In the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa, hundreds of protesters took to the streets on Tuesday, attacking several foreign embassies amid escalating violence attributed to rebel groups in the nation’s eastern territories. The demonstrations come in the wake of a recent offensive in Goma led by the March 23 Movement (M23), a militia accused of receiving support from Rwanda, a neighboring country that many in the Congo believe is contributing to the ongoing instability.

The unrest escalated as protesters targeted the U.S. Embassy, throwing stones and burning tires in front of the main compound. Reports indicate that demonstrators even breached a site where a new embassy building is under construction, although no injuries were reported. An anonymous American official confirmed that the embassy was later secured.

The French Embassy also faced attacks, with fires being set reportedly due to aggressive protests outside. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned the violence, labeling it “unacceptable.” Video footage emerged showing protesters entering the French Embassy, where furniture was taken, alongside messages denouncing French President Emmanuel Macron as complicit in Congolese suffering.

The Ugandan Embassy was not spared, attracting similar violent actions that included looting and arson. Attacks extended to the Belgian Embassy and the office of the United Nations humanitarian agency, with a U.N. official describing the situation as chaotic.

This wave of protests underscores a growing discontent in the Congo regarding the role foreign powers play in their ongoing crisis and the perceived failure to intervene decisively against rebel activities that threaten national stability.