US embassy on fire in Congo

An incident occurred in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, during which supporters of the local government set fire to the grounds of the US embassy. Protesters threw burning tyres at the building while chanting slogans condemning imperialism.

Footage published by eyewitnesses and posted on the "Baza" platform shows thick plumes of smoke rising from the grounds of the US diplomatic mission. 

A large number of local residents gathered around the building, filming the events on their mobile phones. Meanwhile, embassy staff attempted to organise security and extinguish the fire, but protesters continued to throw burning tyres towards the building, according to a source close to the publication.

For safety reasons, foreigners were prohibited from leaving their hotels. It is worth noting that Kinshasa is located approximately 1,600 kilometres from the city of Goma, situated on the border with Rwanda, which was captured by rebels. 

The "March 23 Movement" (M23) group announced the capture of a key administrative centre in the North Kivu province in the east of the country, which occurred before the expiry of a 48-hour ultimatum issued to local military forces demanding they lay down their arms. M23 also called on the population to remain calm and not succumb to panic.