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The Protests in Kinshasa

Angry Protestors on the Streets of Kinshasa

The recent capture of Goma by M23 rebels sparked widespread protests in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), earlier this week.

Demonstrators expressed outrage over the perceived involvement of the Rwandan army in supporting the Tutsi-led M23 group. They also criticized the lack of action by DRC’s allies in assisting the country’s defense efforts. The UN has confirmed the presence of Rwandan troops in Goma.

Goma, located on the Rwandan border, is approximately 2,623 km east of Kinshasa and 3,077 km east of the port city of Matadi.

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Advice for Crew Members

Budd recommends that crew members transiting Kinshasa avoid walking the streets due to the current tensions. Both Kinshasa and Matadi port operations remain unaffected as per our local offices.

Background of the Conflict

The capture of Goma reignites a long-standing regional conflict.  Since the Rwandan genocide in 1994, accusations have persisted regarding Rwanda’s support for rebel groups in the DRC, including the M23, to exploit mineral resources in North Kivu province, where Goma is the capital.

Rwandan intervention stems from alleged security concerns posed by the presence of Hutu refugees living near the border after fleeing Rwanda when the genocide in which approximately 800,000 Tutsis had died at the hands of ethnic Hutu extremists came to an end in 1994 and a Tutsi president, Paul Kagame, to power.

This marks the second time since 2012 that Goma has become the center of this decades-long conflict.  Fighting between the M23 and the Congolese army (FARDC) has intensified, leading to rebel control over most of Goma, including the airport. Humanitarian organizations warn of food shortages and a lack of medical care in the city.  

The DRC faces a complex situation with an estimated 120 rebel groups operating in provinces like Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tanganyika, committing human rights abuses against civilians. 

Travel Advice

For the latest travel advice for the Democratic Republic of Congo, please refer to the UK Government’s website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/democratic-republic-of-the-congo