Uganda Airlines announced on Tuesday that it had suspended its flights to Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with immediate effect.
The decision followed violent protests that erupted in Kinshasa, where demonstrators stormed multiple foreign embassies and set fires in response to the ongoing conflict involving M23 rebels in the country’s eastern regions.
“The suspension has become necessary as a result of the ongoing unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including in the capital Kinshasa. Flights will remain suspended until the situation warrants normal operations. For more information about your flight, please contact our Global Call Centre on +256 200 406 400,” the airline stated in an official release.
The unrest in Kinshasa comes amid growing tensions over the M23 rebel group’s offensive in eastern DRC, which has displaced thousands and brought international scrutiny.
Protesters in the capital took to the streets, accusing Western and African nations of enabling or turning a blind eye to Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebels.
Kigali has repeatedly denied the accusations, but the issue has strained regional relations.
The demonstrators targeted embassies and diplomatic missions belonging to countries they believed were complicit in the crisis.
European diplomats reported to Reuters that the missions of France, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United States, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, as well as offices of the United Nations, were all attacked during the chaos. Some of the buildings were vandalized, while others suffered fire damage.
The protests, which began as peaceful demonstrations, quickly escalated into violence, with large groups of protesters storming diplomatic compounds, looting, and setting fires.
Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke rising from several locations in Kinshasa, while riot police struggled to control the crowds.
The M23 rebel group, which originated as a mutiny within the Congolese army, has recently gained international attention for its resurgence in eastern DRC.
The group’s fighters have overrun key areas, including the provincial capital of Goma, prompting outrage and fears of further instability in the region.
The situation has also drawn criticism from local citizens, who feel abandoned by both their government and the international community.
For Uganda Airlines, the safety of its passengers and crew remains a top priority.
The carrier’s decision to suspend flights reflects the unpredictable and volatile situation in Kinshasa, as authorities work to restore order.
The airline has urged affected passengers to reach out to its customer service team for assistance and updates on future flight schedules.
The violent protests are the latest in a series of events highlighting the deepening crisis in the DRC, where armed conflict, displacement, and political instability continue to disrupt the lives of millions.
As regional and international leaders call for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the crisis, the humanitarian toll of the unrest continues to grow.
