Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) simmered with anger on Thursday as protests demanding action against the M23 rebel group and its alleged backers, Rwanda and Western nations, swept through the region.
In Bukavu, the capital of Sud-Kivu province, hundreds marched peacefully, their voices laden with frustration and despair.
“The years roll by, and the dead, the suffering, and the trauma keep mounting in this part of the country,” declared Adrien Zawadi, head of a local civil society organization.
“This must stop!” he thundered, echoing the sentiment of the crowd.
The M23, a predominantly Tutsi rebel group, has been waging an offensive in neighbouring Nord-Kivu for the past two years, recently escalating their campaign near the provincial capital, Goma.
This resurgence of violence has reignited accusations against Rwanda, with Western governments and the United Nations alleging Kigali’s support for the rebels. Rwanda vehemently denies these claims.
Fueled by this perceived complicity, protesters demanded the closure of borders with Rwanda and Uganda, another nation accused of aiding the M23.
Chants calling for severed ties with the United States, France, and Britain resonated through the streets, fueled by the belief that these Western powers are turning a blind eye to Rwanda’s involvement.
The anger wasn’t confined to Sud-Kivu.
In Kisangani, Tshopo province, protestors demanded a declaration of war against Rwanda and a complete break with allegedly complicit Western nations.
Kinshasa, the DRC’s capital, also witnessed women marching for peace on Wednesday, while a smaller group of young people voiced their outrage by burning vehicles and tires outside Western embassies and UN offices.
These demonstrations highlight the growing frustration among Congolese citizens grappling with the persistent conflict in the east.
They yearn for peace and accountability, and their voices demand action from Rwanda, Western powers, and the international community at large.
