DRC : Strengthening of security measures in front of embassies following saturday’s violent demonstration
This Saturday in Kinshasa, Congolese citizens expressed their frustration with the ongoing massacre in the East of the DRC in front of several embassies, including the French embassy. What began as a peaceful demonstration eventually escalated with barricades, burned tires, and a few diplomatic vehicles set on fire.
The population accuses diplomatic bodies of colluding with the regime of Paul Kagame and the M23 rebels who are responsible for the daily massacres of Congolese civilians.
On Monday, February 12th, the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo announced the reinforcement of security measures in various embassies as well as installations of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
Vice Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior and Security, Peter KAZADI KANKONDE, chaired an emergency meeting with officials from the Congolese National Police and Security Services to discuss the necessary measures.
« Therefore, it is pointless to maintain tension in the capital of our country. We have taken certain measures. This involves reinforcing security around different embassies and MONUSCO installations. Law enforcement is deployed to certain sensitive areas », said Peter Kazadi.
The government strongly condemns these acts of violence and has announced that an investigation will be conducted to shed light on these incidents. It reminds that foreign diplomats and MONUSCO personnel, as well as their installations and vehicles, should not be targeted under any circumstances.
Bintou Keita, head of MONUSCO, also strongly condemned the attacks on mission personnel, noting that several vehicles were set on fire. She warned that such attacks could constitute war crimes and undermine the mission’s crucial support to the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC).
The government calls for calm and emphasizes that competent authorities must be informed in advance of any demonstration to ensure its proper management. It also commends the Congolese National Police and Security Services for their quick response and appeals for restraint.
