Hundreds of Congolese nationals protested outside the European Union’s embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, on Tuesday, demanding sanctions against Rwanda for its alleged backing of rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The demonstration came after the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group captured Goma, a major city in the region, and threatened to advance toward the capital, Kinshasa.
Although fighting in Goma has paused, clashes have spread to neighboring South Kivu, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the mineral-rich area. The protesters, about 2,000 strong, waved the DRC’s red, yellow, and blue flag and held signs calling for action, such as “Free Congo.” They also expressed gratitude to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the Congolese military for their efforts to stabilize the region.
Elie Kalonji Ikasereka, a Congolese businessman living in South Africa, likened the situation in Congo to Ukraine’s conflict, calling for sanctions against Rwanda and its president, Paul Kagame, in response to the violence. “We want sanctions,” he said.
The protesters also voiced their opposition to a 2024 EU-Rwanda minerals agreement, accusing Brussels of fueling the conflict by purchasing raw materials from Rwanda, which they claim come from the DRC. “The EU should stop buying minerals through Rwanda,” said Monique Mbiya Nkolombo, another protester.
The Europe-Central Africa network (EurAC), a coalition of European NGOs, condemned the deal, arguing that it had contributed to escalating regional tensions.
