By Mohammed Bello Doka
Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), descended into chaos on January 28, 2025, as angry protesters stormed multiple foreign embassies, setting fires and ransacking diplomatic premises in an unprecedented wave of unrest. The protests, which started as a demonstration against foreign involvement in the ongoing war in eastern Congo, quickly turned violent, with demonstrators targeting the embassies of France, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United States, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and the United Nations.
Thick plumes of smoke filled the air as the French and Rwandan embassies bore the brunt of the mob’s fury. The gates of several diplomatic compounds were torched, and security forces struggled to contain the escalating violence. The protesters, chanting anti-Rwandan and anti-Western slogans, accused foreign governments of fueling the war by allegedly backing the M23 rebel group, which recently captured large swathes of territory, including the strategic eastern city of Goma.
Despite the deployment of riot police, who fired tear gas to disperse the crowds, protesters managed to force their way into some embassy compounds, causing significant damage. The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa issued an urgent security alert, advising American citizens to shelter in place and consider leaving the country while commercial flights were still operational.
Roots of the Rage: Foreign Meddling Accusations
The protests were triggered by mounting frustration over the escalating conflict in eastern DRC, where the M23 rebel group has intensified its offensive. The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing the rebels—an allegation that Kigali denies. Many Congolese believe that Western nations, by failing to sanction Rwanda and Uganda decisively, are complicit in the ongoing violence that has displaced millions and caused severe humanitarian suffering.
In a fiery speech following the protests, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi condemned the destruction of embassies but acknowledged the people’s frustration. “The anger of our citizens is justified, but violence against diplomatic missions is unacceptable,” he said. Tshisekedi called on the international community to take a firm stand against Rwanda’s alleged interference in the DRC’s internal affairs.
International Reactions: Diplomatic Outrage
The European Union and France strongly condemned the attacks on embassies, calling them violations of international law. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described the incidents as “unacceptable,” warning that France would take steps to protect its diplomatic personnel. Meanwhile, the United Nations urged Congolese authorities to restore order and ensure the safety of foreign missions.
The violent protests have heightened tensions in an already volatile region. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) recently extended its military deployment in eastern Congo in an attempt to contain the rebellion, but the situation remains dire. More than 8 million people have been displaced, and over 25 million require urgent humanitarian assistance as food shortages and insecurity worsen.
What Next? A Nation on Edge
With embassies damaged and diplomatic relations strained, Kinshasa faces a critical test. While calls for calm are growing, the anger on the streets suggests that the crisis is far from over. The question now is whether the international community will take stronger action against alleged foreign interference or continue what many Congolese perceive as silence in the face of their suffering.
For now, the embers of the burned embassies may cool, but the flames of Congo’s crisis continue to burn.
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