DRC: Belgian Embassy attacked by demonstrators in Kinshasa

DRC: Belgian Embassy attacked by demonstrators in Kinshasa
People watching the flames of some burning tyres around the Belgian embassy building in Kinshasa, DRC, on 28 January 2025. Credit: Belga / ACP

Several embassies, including Belgium's, were attacked in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on Tuesday. Protesters are denouncing the conflict in the eastern part of the country, diplomatic sources reported.

The Belgian Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed the ongoing "violent demonstration" in a press release. According to the Ministry, the gate of the embassy was briefly set on fire, but at no time were embassy staff or visitors put in immediate danger.

Flames of some burning tyres around the Belgian embassy building in Kinshasa, DRC Congo, on 28 January 2025. Credit: Belga/ACP

Violence has taken over Goma since the Rwanda-backed rebel group M23 entered and seized control of the Congolese city in Eastern DRC, escalating the ongoing conflict. This took place after weeks of advances. On Tuesday, Belga News Agency reported that M23 and Rwandan troops took control of the airport in Goma.

According to an AFP journalist, the embassies of Rwanda, France, Belgium and the United States were targeted by protesters on Tuesday.

The Belgian embassy has enhanced its security as a response to the attacks but situation at the embassy "seems to have stabilised," according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.

"There have been announcements that protests may take place again in the coming days. We will continue to closely monitor these developments and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of our staff and the Belgian community," the Ministry told the Brussels Times.

The EU called for the protection of diplomatic facilities and condemned all attacks on foreign embassies on Tuesday. Due to the recent developments and displaced populations in and around Goma, the EU has also released €60 million in humanitarian for the DRC.

Outgoing Minister of Social Affairs Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit) called for an immediate ceasefire and condemned the escalating violence in Goma and surrounding areas on Tuesday.

On Monday, outgoing Foreign Minister Bernard Quintin called the M23 actions a "violation of international law and international humanitarian law."

This article was updated on Wednesday at 9:11 to include an update from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Related News


Latest News

Copyright © 2025 The Brussels Times. All Rights Reserved.