GOMA (Reuters) – Hundreds of demonstrators attacked a warehouse and offices of the UN Mission for Stabilization in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Goma on Monday, demanding the departure of the peacekeepers they had accuse of not defending the population.
Protesters blocked city roads, ransacked offices, carried away equipment and set fire to a gate at the mission compound, Reuters journalists reported.
“One of our warehouses was attacked by protesters early this morning. They entered one of our bases and looted the material. They managed to enter a few offices, we are obviously appalled and shocked,” a doorman said. – word of MONUSCO.
“The incidents in Goma are not only unacceptable but totally counterproductive. Monusco is mandated by the Security Council to support the authorities in the protection of civilians,” said the interim head of mission, Khassim Diagne, in the press release. .
“It is not in chaos, confusion or division that we will progress towards stabilization and peace.”
The demonstration was organized by a faction of the UDPS youth movement, the party of President Félix Tshisekedi currently in power. This faction called in a press release for the immediate withdrawal of blue helmets, denouncing their ineffectiveness.
Another faction of the youth movement, however, disavowed the protest.
The government is closely monitoring the situation, its spokesman said.
“The government strongly condemns any form of attack against UN personnel and facilities,” Patrick Muyaya said on Twitter. “Those responsible will be prosecuted and severely punished.”
(Report Erikas Mwisi Kambale, Fiston Mahamba and Djaffar Al Katanty; written by Bate Felix; French version Augustin Turpin, edited by Sophie Louet)
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