Video: Dutch embassy one of several diplomatic missions attacked in Congo
Protesters have attacked several embassies in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Dutch embassy is among those attacked. The extent of the damage is unclear. Security forces have arrived at the Dutch embassy to protect the building “and the situation seems to be stabilizing,” a spokesperson told NOS.
The same building also houses Belgium's embassy in that country. According to Reuters, protesters also attacked the diplomatic posts of the United States, France, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. Images on social media showed that the French embassy was on fire, but the blaze has reportedly been extinguished.
The protesters are attacking embassies of countries that they believe are involved in the conflict in the country. There has been unrest in the DRC after rebels from the M23 resistance group took over the eastern Congolese city of Goma on Monday. According to the United Nations, the rebel movement is receiving help from the army of the neighboring country Rwanda.
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp called it terrible that protesters have attacked foreign representatives. He urged Dutch people in DRC to stay inside, warning that they may become targets. “It is our absolute priority to guarantee the safety of our colleagues in this serious situation,” he said on X.
In several locations, the police on Tuesday used tear gas to disperse the protesting crowd. This also happened on Tuesday morning in front of the Dutch and Belgian embassies, according to eyewitness accounts on social media.
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked citizens of the Netherlands to remain indoors, and to notify friends and family if they are safe. Those who need assistance were urged to call the ministry's hotline.
"There are currently violent demonstrations throughout Kinshasa, DRC. Foreigners are being targeted. Stay indoors. Do not go out on the streets," the ministry said.
