KINSHASA: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Thursday traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo after protesters targeted the French embassy in Kinshasa. The unrest arose in response to the M23 rebel group’s offensive in the eastern city of Goma.

According to Anadolu Agency, Barrot’s visit includes meetings with Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba and President Felix Tshisekedi to discuss recent developments. The attacks on diplomatic missions in Kinshasa, including those of France and the United States, occurred on Tuesday due to the escalating situation involving the M23 rebels in Goma, which shares a border with Rwanda.

The French government has condemned the attacks on its diplomatic missions, labeling them as “unacceptable.” Accompanying Barrot is Emmanuel Cohet, the French special envoy for the Great Lakes region, as reported by the official Congolese News Agency.

After his discussions in Kinshasa, Barrot is scheduled to proceed to Kigali on Friday afternoon to meet with his Rwandan counterpart. The M23 group launched a significant offensive in Goma last week, a city with a population of approximately 3 million. Kinshasa has accused Kigali of sending troops to support the rebels, an allegation that Rwanda has denied.

Regional leaders have called for an immediate ceasefire amid the violence, which has resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries. The control of Goma and its government institutions remains uncertain. While reports suggest nearly 100 fatalities in the past week, Anadolu has not independently confirmed the death toll.

The conflict has displaced thousands, many of whom have sought refuge in Rwanda, including staff from international organizations such as the UN and World Bank. Additionally, Kigali has reported that nine of its citizens died from alleged cross-border attacks originating from Goma, and at least 17 peacekeepers have been killed since last week.