In Kinshasa, dozens of demonstrators attacked foreign embassies, demanding an action against the M23 rebels in the east of the country. The police used tear gas to disperse them.
Dozens of demonstrators in Kinshasa have Attacked this Tuesday, several foreign embassies – including those of France, Belgium and Rwanda – demanding a military intervention against the rebels of the M23 in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Police pulled tear gas from demonstrators who were heading for diplomatic buildings. The embassies of Kenya and Uganda were also attackedaccording to journalists from the present on the spot.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced at midday attacks “Inadmissible”.
France is accused of “kindness“With neighboring Rwanda, sponsor of the M23. Emmanuel Macron has however denounced on several occasions, publicly, the presence of Rwandan soldiers on Congolese soil. Sunday, before the United Nations Security Council, the representative of France had “Reaffirmed his solidarity towards the Democratic Republic of Congo and his unwavering attachment to his territorial integrity and his sovereignty”. “It firmly condemns the current offensive led by the M23, actively supported by Rwanda. The presence in DRC of a foreign military force against the will of the Congolese State is a clear violation of the Charter of the United Nations”, had said Nicolas de Rivière, representative of France at the UN. “This offensive, such as supporting groups armed by all parties, makes a major risk on the security of civilian populations and is currently leading to the movement of tens of thousands of civilians. The M23 must immediately stop its offensive and withdraw from the territories which he took control. “
The security forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo were trying to Slow the rebels of the M23 supported by Rwanda, which advanced to Goma, a key city in the eastern countryas part of a major climbing of the conflict that has been going on for decades. These fighters are part of the hundred armed groups who compete to take control of this region rich in minerals.
The demonstrators asked the international community to put pressure on Rwanda to stop the progress of the rebels. “We denounce the hypocrisy of the international community”said Timothée Tshishimbi, one of the demonstrators. “They must tell Rwanda to stop this adventure.”
Residents have reported Firing in the night in Goma, a city of 2 million inhabitants that the rebels claimed to have taken Monday. Explosions and shots were heard near the local airport, now closed.
The City is an important logistics node for trade and humanitarian aid which welcomes hundreds of thousands of people among the more than 6 million displaced by the prolonged conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The rebels of the M23 temporarily seized Goma in 2012 before being forced to withdraw under international pressure. They resurfaced at the end of 2021 with increasing support from Rwanda according to the government of DR Congo and the United Nations experts. Rwanda has so far denied any involvement.
The extent of rebels control over Goma was not clear after entering the city early on Monday. After weeks of fighting, the M23 seized several cities during an unexpected advance.
“Since morning, we have heard explosions of bombs and bullet crackles”said Sam Luwawa, a resident of Goma. “Until now, we cannot say who really controls the city.”
Peace soldiers among the victims
Three South African peace soldiers were killed on Monday when the rebels launched a mortar bomb towards Goma airportwho landed on the South African national defense force located nearby, while a fourth soldier died of injuries suffered during the fighting a few days ago, the South African Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
Dead that bring to 17 the number of peacekeepers and foreign soldiers who were killed in the fighting, according to officials of the UN and the army.
The humanitarian situation in Goma “is extremely, extremely worrying, with a new threshold of violence and suffering reached today”said Bruno Lemarquis, United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the Congo, during a press videoconference.
He also clarified that fighting took place in all the city districts, with civilians shelter and heavy artillery fire led to the city center. Several shells had struck the maternal charity hospital in the center of Goma, “Killing and injuring civilians, including newborns and pregnant women.”
ADVERTISEMENT“What is happening in Goma is added to what is already one of the longest, most complex and serious humanitarian crises on the planet, with nearly 6.5 million people moved to the country , including nearly 3 million in (the province of) North Kivu “said Mr. Lemarquis.
According to reports citing the United Nations, Hundreds of people have been injured and bodies lie in the streets of Goma.
Humanitarian organizations point out thatThey are unable to help displaced people who depend on them to obtain food and other basic necessities.
“The main roads around Goma are blocked and the city’s airport can no longer be used for evacuations and humanitarian efforts. Electricity and water have been cut in many districts of the city”said David Munkley, operations manager in eastern Congo for the World Vision humanitarian organization.
ADVERTISEMENTIn addition to the United Nations, several countries, including France, the United Kingdom and the United States, condemned Rwanda for the progress of the rebels. The Rwandan government has made Kinshasa responsible for climbing, saying that he had not respected the peace agreements, which led to Kigali described as “Defensive posture sustained”.
