The Congolese government has “regretted” the vandalism and looting witnessed in the capital Kinshasa on Tuesday, with Foreign Affairs minister Thérèse Kayikwamba assuring foreigners that “all practical measures are being taken to guarantee the protection of diplomatic missions, their personnel and their property”.
She said security had been reinforced embassies and diplomatic missions in the city after rioters attacked the embassies of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, US, France, Belgium and the premises of the UN mission, Monusco.
Kinshasa was the scene of chaos as looters targeted businesses such as supermarkets and paralysed in the capital.
Roads were barricaded with burning tires and shops closed, while public transporters stayed away.
The spontaneous demonstrations were a “show their support for the Congolese army,” which is currently fighting to recapture Goma, the largest in North Kivu, in the east of the DRC, from the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
Demonstrators gathered at several locations protesting against the war “imposed on the DRC by Rwanda.” But the demos turned violent as marauding gangs attacked embassies and businesses.
They accused Western countries of “inaction” and “hypocrisy” in the face of the war in the DRC.
“These Westerners must leave our country. They have lied a lot,” one protester told The Eastafrican.
“We followed the debate at the UN Security Council. Those we consider our friends and partners have disappointed us. We understand that this war is being waged with the blessing of the international community, the United States, France and Nato. They are false partners. We’re asking them to leave our country.”
All chanted slogans against Rwanda and accused Kenya and Uganda of being “accomplices” of Kigali.
The Kinshasa authorities were trying to restore calm and urged calm and restraint.
Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya welcomed the “spontaneous mobilisation,” but “firmly condemned” acts of vandalism and violence that occurred during the demonstrations.
“The national police has restored order and reinforced security at all embassies,” the Communication minister said.
