The United Nations (UN) on Tuesday, January 28, condemned violent protests in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that targeted UN offices, embassies, and other locations in the capital Kinshasa.
UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that protesters set fire to areas outside UN offices, including those related to peacekeeping operations and other UN agencies, and targeted several embassies. Looting was also reported in Kinshasa.
Dujarric revealed that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had separate phone conversations with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
“They discussed the ongoing situation in the eastern part of the DRC in their conversation with President Kagame, there was also a particular emphasis on the protection of civilians in the region,” Dujarric said.
When asked about the outcome of the conversations, Dujarric stated that resolving the crisis would require time and commitment to a political solution.
“The crisis in the eastern DRC has been going on for decades. This is not something that can be resolved in 24 hours,” he added.
Citing the Luanda Process as a promising framework, he said: “There are various processes that we have seen, particularly the Luanda Process which has shown progress. We want to see the parties recommit to that process.”
Established in 2022, the Luanda Process aims to ease tensions and find lasting peace between the DRC and Rwanda.
Emphasizing that the UN is coordinating with stakeholders to manage the situation, he added: “We are also in touch with the French authorities, who have also been in contact with various relevant parties.”
“Anyone who can help, we welcome any immediate assistance,” he said when asked about the UN’s expectations from France in the situation.
“Although, as I said, there is a very well-established political process, the Luanda Process. We want the parties to recommit to that process, and efforts from countries in the region and beyond should push in that direction,” he added.
Previously, on Monday, the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, claimed to have captured the eastern city of Goma, while the Kinshasa government claimed the presence of Rwandan troops.
So far, at least 25 people have been killed in Goma and nine others in Rwanda. Hundreds have been injured in the ongoing clashes.
Locals said that both government forces and rebels control parts of the city of 3 million, including refugees from the surrounding area.