EU and France Condemn Attacks on Embassies Amid Rising Tensions in DR Congo

The EU and France condemned attacks on embassies in DR Congo amid ongoing protests against Rwandan involvement with M23 rebels, emphasizing the need for diplomatic protection. Germany has halted consultations with Rwanda over the conflict. Protesters accuse foreign nations of complicity in the violence, underscoring the complex geopolitical landscape in the region.

On January 28, 2025, the European Union condemned the recent assaults on foreign embassies in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The EU’s foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas, emphasized the necessity of safeguarding diplomatic missions in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot condemned the attack on France’s Embassy in Kinshasa, stating that all measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of personnel and citizens.

Protests erupted as demonstrators targeted the embassies of Belgium, the Netherlands, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and the United States amid a humanitarian crisis stemming from escalating violence in eastern Congo. As security forces employed teargas, demonstrators marched on embassies, resulting in looting and fires at some diplomatic properties, underscoring the chaotic situation.

The protests were catalyzed by the advance of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels into Goma, a strategic city in eastern Congo. Protesters urged the international community to hold Rwanda accountable for its alleged role in this violence. Timothee Tshishimbi, a protester, criticized the international community’s perceived hypocrisy regarding Rwanda’s actions.

In response to the escalating conflict, Germany announced the cancellation of planned government consultations with Rwanda and stated that future discussions will only resume when hostilities cease. Multiple demonstrators have also accused foreign nations of complicity in the ongoing incursions, asserting that Rwandan troops are involved alongside M23 rebels.

The M23 rebels, who previously captured Goma in 2012, resurfaced in late 2021 and have since gained renewed support from Rwanda, according to Congolese authorities and United Nations assessments. As the Congolese military strives to counter this insurgency, the situation remains volatile, drawing attention to the complex dynamics of foreign involvement in the region.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has been embroiled in conflict for several years, particularly in its mineral-rich eastern regions. The resurgence of the M23 rebel group, funded and supported by Rwanda, has exacerbated the situation. The international community is now under scrutiny as local populations accuse foreign governments of complicity in the violence, leading to protests and attacks on embassies. The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations serves as the foundation for international expectations regarding the protection of embassies, making the recent assaults particularly concerning.

In summary, the European Union and France have strongly condemned the assaults on embassies in the Democratic Republic of Congo, demanding improved protection for diplomatic missions. The rising tensions surrounding the M23 rebels, coupled with accusations against Rwanda, have incited widespread protests. As international diplomacy faces scrutiny, the situation continues to demand urgent attention from the global community.

Original Source: www.dw.com