By Johnson Kanyesige
The Uganda House in Kinshasa fell victim to unrest as Congolese citizens looted and set parts of the embassy ablaze during violent protests against the M23 rebel group’s capture of Goma, the largest city in Eastern DR Congo.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala confirmed the breach, reporting that Uganda’s embassy was among several diplomatic missions targeted by angry mobs.
However, it was yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
Protests erupted after Kinshasa’s government urged citizens to take to the streets in defiance of the rebels’ swift advance into North Kivu’s capital.
Amateur footage shared online depicts chaotic scenes: protesters, many of them teenagers, vandalizing parked vehicles, smashing windshields, and scavenging engine parts.
At Uganda’s embassy, crowds ransacked the premises, making off with furniture, couches, and other valuables. The looters later set parts of the building on fire, with thick smoke billowing from burning car tires nearby.
Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, France, and other nations also saw their embassies breached, with demonstrators attempting but failing to breach barricades at the US Embassy.
Kenya’s government condemned the attacks, calling on DR Congo authorities to restore order and protect foreign missions.
The unrest followed M23’s occupation of Goma on Monday, where the rebels were met with cheers from local residents as they moved to secure the city.
A door-to-door operation by M23 uncovered large caches of weapons and ammunition, though sporadic gunfire punctuated their efforts.
In stark contrast, Kinshasa descended into chaos. Government-backed protests saw bonfires lit in the streets as looters wreaked havoc on diplomatic missions, including Uganda’s.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism, with calls for accountability and measures to prevent further violence against foreign entities.
