The EU and France condemned attacks on foreign embassies in the DRC amid protests against M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda. Protests resulted in violence and vandalism at embassies as demonstrators called for international intervention. Germany canceled upcoming consultations with Rwanda, emphasizing the need for accountability before resuming diplomatic relations.
The European Union (EU) has issued a condemnation of the recent attacks on foreign embassies in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A spokesperson for the EU’s foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas, emphasized the necessity of safeguarding diplomatic missions in line with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, specifically criticized the assault on France’s embassy in Kinshasa, stating the attacks are unacceptable, and affirmed that measures are being taken to secure personnel and citizens.
Additional embassies, including those of Belgium, the Netherlands, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and the United States, have also faced protests, which have resulted in looting and vandalism. These protests coincided with the escalating violence in eastern DRC, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of individuals. The situation escalated further when police deployed teargas to disperse crowds marching towards the embassies.
The protests were ignited by the advance of M23 rebels, reportedly supported by Rwanda, into Goma, a strategically significant city in the conflict-ridden east of the DRC. Demonstrators are calling for international pressure on Rwanda to cease its involvement, with protester Timothee Tshishimbi denouncing the international community’s perceived hypocrisy in addressing the crisis.
In response to the unrest, the German development ministry announced the cancellation of upcoming consultations with Rwanda, citing the need for coordinated actions with other donors. A statement indicated that diplomatic relations could not proceed as usual amid the escalating conflict, urging Rwanda and M23 to withdraw before resumed discussions.
Amidst these developments, it has been asserted by DRC’s government that foreign nations harbor complicity in the ongoing incursion. The M23 group, alongside other armed factions, continues to vie for control in the mineral-rich eastern region, demonstrating the complexities of foreign involvement and local insurgencies in DRC’s stability and security.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has long been affected by conflict, particularly in the eastern region where various armed groups, including the M23 rebels, vie for control. The M23’s resurgence has been linked to support from Rwanda, exacerbating tensions among the local population and the international community. As protests unfold, foreign embassies are facing targeted attacks that reflect broader grievances against international involvement in the DRC’s conflicts. The Vienna Convention emphasizes the importance of protecting diplomatic missions, making such attacks a serious issue for global relations.
The attacks on embassies in the Democratic Republic of Congo underscore the escalating tensions related to the M23 rebels’ advance and the perceived role of foreign countries in the conflict. The EU and France have condemned these actions, reiterating the necessity for better protection of diplomatic facilities. Furthermore, the international community, particularly nations with interests in the region, is urged to take decisive steps to address Rwanda’s alleged support of the M23 and the ongoing turmoil in eastern DRC.
Original Source: www.dw.com
