Crisis in Congo: Kinshasa on Edge After Goma's Downfall

The local populace is in a panic as a result of the massive demonstrations in Kinshasa that swiftly turned into looting and the burning of multiple embassies, including those of Rwanda, France, Belgium, Kenya, and the United States.

As a teacher at Boboto Jesuit College, one of the few remaining schools, Isaac Belesi stated, "Parents haven't been sending their children to school since the protest on January 28." "On January 30, only three of my class's forty-one students showed up."

"I'd rather keep my kids at home until the situation in Goma turns favorable, and the authorities can reassure us," said Floribert Lusamba, a father of four school-age children.

Since the Congolese police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators during the most recent upheaval, he says he wants to keep his kids away from crowds because "another uprising could break out at any moment."

The activities of the Catholic and evangelical churches in Kinshasa have also been negatively impacted by fear. Parishioners of the Sacred Heart Parish in the Gombe area stated that the week's scheduled events had been canceled. Pierrette Manwombi stated, "We haven't held any activities this week, but we had meetings scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday."

Both the diocesan pastoral center and the interdiocesan center have yet to restart their regular programs. "These religious organizations' libraries, cultural centers, and neighborhood eateries have not welcomed the public."

Political and military tensions are growing as the humanitarian situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. The M23 rebels announced on January 30 that they will advance southward toward Kinshasa, the capital of the country, which is more than 2,600 kilometers away from Goma. The Democratic Republic of the Congo will not be degraded or destroyed, so don't be misled. In a late-night broadcast speech, President Félix Tshisekedi said, "We will fight, and we will prevail." In reaction to individuals he designated as "terrorists," he pledged a "vigorous and coordinated response."

Uncertainty over the nation's political future is what is driving the public's concern, according to political analyst Christopher Pambi. Goma and the larger North Kivu region are abundant in minerals in addition to wildlife. It was already troublesome that the West and neighboring countries had long sought control of this region; many Congolese are deeply disappointed that Rwanda now controls it.

According to Pambi, Congolese resentment is aimed at both local authorities, who have failed to offer a sustainable resolution to a conflict that has lasted for three decades, and the international community, which they believe is refusing to impose sanctions on Rwanda for allegedly encouraging the division of the Congo.