Belgium Summons Rwandan Charge d’Affaires Over DRC Aggression
In a diplomatic move aimed at addressing the escalating crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Belgium summoned the interim Chargé d’affaires of the Rwandan embassy, André Bucyana, following the seizure of Goma by M23 rebels backed by the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF). The Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized this summons to reiterate Brussels’ firm stance on the situation in eastern DRC.
Belgium reiterated its call for the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory and an end to all support for the M23. “The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected by all, at all times and in all places,” stated Foreign Minister Bernard Quintin upon his arrival at the EU Foreign Affairs Council.
The Belgian government, in coordination with the European Union, condemned the M23’s advance as an “unacceptable violation of the ceasefire” and denounced its disastrous humanitarian impact. Brussels urged the rebels to immediately halt their advance and withdraw from the occupied areas.
Violent Protests in Kinshasa: Belgian Embassy Targeted
Concurrently, violent protests erupted on Tuesday in Kinshasa outside several diplomatic missions, including the Belgian embassy. Young protesters, voicing their opposition to perceived international involvement in the eastern DRC crisis, set fire to the embassy’s gate. The fire was quickly extinguished, with no harm to embassy staff or visitors reported by Belgian authorities.
In response, the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on Congolese authorities to bolster security measures around diplomatic missions, a request met with positive reception by Kinshasa. “The safety of embassy personnel and the Belgian community remains our top priority,” the ministry affirmed.
The Belgian embassy in Kinshasa advised Belgian nationals in the area to stay indoors and monitor the situation cautiously.
Humanitarian and Security Context in Goma
The capture of Goma by the M23, with the support of the Rwandan army, has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC. The clashes have triggered massive displacements of populations, while local infrastructure struggles to meet the needs of civilians caught in the violence.
Belgium reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with European and international partners to find a diplomatic resolution to this crisis and alleviate the suffering of affected populations. The ongoing turmoil in the region underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to restore peace and stability in the DRC.