The Uganda House in Kinshasa became a target of violent unrest as protesters looted and set parts of the embassy on fire during demonstrations against the M23 rebel group’s capture of Goma, the largest city in Eastern DR Congo.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala confirmed the attack, noting that Uganda’s embassy was among several diplomatic missions targeted by angry mobs. However, the ministry has yet to release an official statement on the incident.
The protests erupted following a call by the Congolese government for citizens to demonstrate against M23’s rapid advance into North Kivu’s capital, Goma.
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Amateur footage circulating online shows chaotic scenes of protesters, many of them young, vandalizing vehicles, smashing windshields, and scavenging for engine parts. At Uganda’s embassy, crowds ransacked the premises, stealing furniture and other valuables before setting parts of the building ablaze. Nearby, burning car tires sent thick plumes of smoke into the air.
Other embassies, including those of Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, and France, were also targeted during the unrest. Protesters attempted but failed to breach barricades at the US Embassy.
Kenya’s government strongly condemned the attacks, urging DR Congo authorities to restore order and ensure the safety of foreign missions.
The violence followed M23’s occupation of Goma on Monday, where the rebels were welcomed by some residents as they secured the city. During a door-to-door operation, M23 reportedly discovered significant caches of weapons and ammunition, though sporadic gunfire continued to disrupt the city.
Meanwhile, Kinshasa descended into chaos as government-backed protests spiraled into violent looting and attacks on diplomatic missions, including Uganda’s embassy.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with calls for accountability and urgent measures to protect foreign entities and prevent further violence.
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