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Protesters Accuse Rwanda, Set Fires at US, French Embassies After M23 Rebels Capture Goma

Jan 28, 2025, 11:35 AM

Protests have erupted in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following the capture of the eastern city of Goma by M23 rebels yesterday. Demonstrators, accusing Rwanda and Western nations of supporting the rebels, attacked several foreign embassies over two days, including those of the United States, France, Belgium, Uganda, Kenya, Japan, Rwanda, and South Africa. Armed protesters set fires at the US and French embassies, with the French embassy suffering a fire that has since been controlled, according to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. The Ugandan embassy was reportedly ransacked and looted. Protesters burned Rwandan flags bearing the portrait of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, blocked major roads such as Boulevard Triomphal, Sendwe, and Lumumba with burning tires, and attacked police vehicles. French special forces (GIGN) were deployed to the French embassy. Chants of 'Death to imperialists' were heard as demonstrators expressed anger at what they perceive as foreign backing of the M23 rebels, who are allegedly supported by Rwanda.