Brussels: Belgium has issued a travel advisory cautioning its citizens against visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo following violent protests in the capital city, Kinshasa. The demonstrations have included incidents where the Belgian embassy was targeted, prompting the foreign ministry to issue a warning.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Belgian Foreign Ministry highlighted the potential for further protests, which they noted, "can quickly escalate into violence." The advisory strongly urged Belgian nationals in the country to steer clear of protest sites and advised those planning to visit to "postpone their trip."

The ministry specifically advised Belgian citizens in Goma to leave the area "by their own means while they still can, and if they believe that this can be done safely." Those in Bukavu were encouraged to "reassess whether their presence is necessary" and to consider leaving if possible.

The Belgian authorities assured that they are "closely monitoring developments on the ground in close cooperation with the embassy in Kinshasa." The unrest in Kinshasa began on Tuesday, with violent demonstrations occurring in front of several embassies, including that of Belgium, where protesters set a gate on fire.

The protests are partly fueled by accusations from Congo and other countries that neighboring Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebel group. Rwanda has denied these allegations, while the M23 claims that it is safeguarding the interests of minority Congolese Tutsis, who the group argues face discrimination due to their ethnic ties to Rwanda's Tutsi community.