On Tuesday, January 28, protesters in the Democratic Republic of Congo attacked and set fire to the United States embassy.
Armed individuals were seen on the embassy roof as thick black smoke rose from the building. The protesters were heard chanting, “death to imperialists.”
This action followed the claim by the March 23 Movement (M23), a rebel group, that they had seized control of Goma, the largest city in North Kivu province. The takeover prompted thousands to flee the area.
The fighting, which has been ongoing since last week, has resulted in the deaths of at least 17 United Nations peacekeepers, including three South African peacekeepers killed on January 27 when the rebels attacked the Goma airport.
On Tuesday, M23 forces continued their efforts to capture the airport, aiming to complete their control over Goma.
Protesters also targeted embassies of Western and African nations they accuse of supporting Rwanda’s backing of the M23 rebels. The embassies of France, Belgium, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya were among those attacked.
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot condemned the embassy attack as “unacceptable,” noting that the fire was quickly controlled.
Kenya’s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi expressed deep concern over the violence against its embassy, calling it a grave violation of international law.
Patrick Muyaya, DRC’s communications minister, called for peaceful protests and urged demonstrators to refrain from violence against diplomatic facilities. He later confirmed that the situation was under control.
Watch the video of the burning of the French embassy below.
