Riot police in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have been deployed to quell sporadic protests outside foreign embassies, as demonstrators accuse Western diplomats of complicity with Rwanda in supporting the M23 rebel group.

The protesters allege that Western diplomats are accomplices to Rwanda, which they claim backs the M23 rebel group responsible for destabilizing the eastern region of the DRC. Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations.

Dozens of police officers are stationed outside the UK, US, and French embassies in Kinshasa to maintain order. 

Meanwhile, in the Gombe district of Kinshasa, international schools and shops operated by foreign nationals have remained closed due to fears of being targeted by protesters.

A small group of protesters has been seen roaming the area, burning car tires, and vandalizing the American and Belgian flags. The situation remains tense as riot police attempt to contain the unrest.

In response to the escalating tensions, DR Congo’s Foreign Minister, Christophe Lutundula, convened a meeting with affected parties and promised to ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers, Western diplomats, and embassies.

The violence in the North Kivu province, where the M23 rebels are active, has led to the internal displacement of close to seven million people. 

Recent clashes between Congolese government forces and the M23 have forced over 100,000 people to flee their homes in the past two weeks alone, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in the region.