Kinshasa, DRC – On January 28, 2025, massive protests broke out in the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with demonstrators expressing outrage over the escalating conflict in the eastern part of the country. The protests quickly turned violent, leading to the destruction of several foreign embassies in Kinshasa.
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Among the embassies targeted were those of Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, and the United States. Protesters accused these nations of playing a role in the ongoing battle for control of Goma, the strategic city in North Kivu province.
The demonstrations also saw acts of looting and violence, with reports indicating the participation of Congolese military personnel in some incidents. Authorities used tear gas to disperse the crowds, forcing many protesters to flee.
Reports suggest that the Congolese government orchestrated the protests as a reaction to the loss of Goma to armed groups. Protesters chanted slogans blaming foreign countries for their alleged involvement in the conflict.
In response to the escalating violence, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has called for another emergency meeting to address the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC. This comes after previous discussions held on Friday and Sunday.
The conflict in and around Goma has resulted in heavy casualties. Thirteen South African soldiers, deployed under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeeping mission, have been kille\d—nine on Saturday and four on Monday.
Additionally, three Malawian soldiers under the SADC mission have also lost their lives. Meanwhile, one Uruguayan peacekeeper serving under MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC) was killed, and four others were wounded.
Similar demonstrations took place in Bukavu (South Kivu) and Butembo (North Kivu), as citizens expressed anger over the situation in Goma.
The escalating violence and diplomatic tensions signal a deepening crisis in the DRC, with concerns growing over regional stability and international involvement.
