Embassies of Uganda, Rwanda, Netherlands, United States of America, France, Japan, Kenya and Belgium in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have come under attack following events in Kivu.
The mega city of Kinshasa is up in smoke as thousands of protestors flood the streets following reports that M23 rebels have taken control of Goma, a strategic city in the country’s restive eastern region.
With tensions boiling over, businesses have shut down, and the capital is gripped by uncertainty as citizens await a national address from President Félix Tshisekedi.
The people of Kinshasa are protesting against what they are calling external interference by governments loyal to Rwanda.
They have also accused President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration of failing to contain the M23 threat, allowing rebels to overrun key towns despite the presence of national and regional forces.
The situation is very tense
Speaking to NTV Uganda, the Minister for Regional Affairs in Uganda, Okello Oryem castigated the attack and proclaimed the situation as “very tense.”
“The situation is very tense and hostile in Kinshasa at the moment. People are living under fear because there are marauding youth who are moving from place-to-place burning embassies.”
Even though he was puzzled by the destruction, he assured the country that embassy staff are safe. “All our staff are safe, in hiding, they feel threatened, but otherwise, they’re safe.”
“Property in the embassy has been looted. But its very sad and very unfortunate that this happened, but we also thank God that our staff are safe.”
“My advice is that we should sit and watch the situation, see how it evolves, then, we will be able to take a decision in two or three days. Why do they target us? They use us as scapegoats! It’s very unfortunate!”
The attacks come as Kenya President William Ruto had called an emergency meeting with Rwanda and Congo, which Tshisekedi gave a wide berth.
Ruto as the East Africa Community chairperson had called it immediately after the news of the fall of Goma.
