Rwandans living in Belgium and other Diaspora hailing from the Great Lakes Region have been violently attacked by angry supporters of defeated Congolese presidential candidate Etienne Tshisekedi.
The Congolese community in Belgium, in solidarity with opposition parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo, rejected official results in a November 28 election that showed Joseph Kabila elected new president of Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Supreme Court in a ruling said Kabila won the election, rejecting opposition demands for the vote to be annulled over fraud allegations.
As votes were being counted in the DR-Congo, Congolese nationals living in Europe set into action violent demonstrations especially targeting Rwandan nationals.
However, the Rwandan Ambassador to Belgium, Robert Masozera has pledged protection and continuous visits to the Rwanda victims ensuring there are no more attacks.
IGIHE.com reporter visited Matonge area where there are lots of businesses run by Rwandans. The area is currently secured following collaboration between the Rwandan Embassy and local police.
At Matonge Rwandan owned properties including restaurants, window glasses, cars and buildings among others were destroyed.
Rwandan ambassador and Embassy officials visited the area and urged them to continue their business as usual as the authorities in charge takes action to ensure peace in the area.
Amb. Masozera further challenged Rwandans in the area to take part in providing protection for themselves.
There are over 40,000 Rwandan community living in Belgium.
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