Congo Kinshasa/The demonstrators accuse Western countries of supporting the M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda

Voices were raised in Kinshasa yesterday Saturday to demand an end to attacks in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Hundreds of protesters gathered near the American, Chinese and Portuguese embassies, as well as MONUSCO headquarters, calling on foreign powers to leave the country. 

The demonstrators accuse Western countries of supporting the M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, and demand firmer action from Western chancelleries against this alleged support. Banners denouncing hypocrisy and Western complicity in the Congolese genocide were brandished by the protesters, expressing their frustration at what they consider to be inaction by international authorities. 

Tensions escalated as several MONUSCO vehicles were set on fire and attacks on UN personnel were reported. Despite calls for peace, tires were burned on Boulevard du 30-Juin, and NGOs criticized the response of Congolese security forces, accusing them of complacency towards the demonstrators.