Many of DR Congo’s Lebanese forced to flee as violence continues

Ali Salama had left to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2010 in pursuit of economic opportunities, especially as economic, political and security circumstances in his home country of Lebanon did not offer him much promise. Having worked in a shoe factory in Goma, DRC became his second home, and he was able to support his family of two kids who remained in Beirut.  

When the Israel-Hezbollah war broke out in 2024, he flew his family to DRC to escape the violence. Although DRC had had a long history of conflicts, it seemed safer than the demise Lebanon’s people faced.

However, with violent clashes erupting in late January between the March 23 (M23) rebels and the DRC military throughout North and South Kivu Provinces, he knew once again it was time for them to leave. 

“I took my family out of Lebanon to Congo during the Israeli war, and today I am taking my family out again from eastern Congo to Türkiye to escape the protests in the country,” the young Lebanese man told The New Arab.

The DRC, one of Africa’s most war-torn countries, is home to some 25,000 Lebanese immigrants, whose lives—like those of 102 million natives—have been impacted by the bloody fighting. A fragile agreement for peace has done little to end the violence that has so far killed at least 80 people and wounded 2,880 in Goma alone. According to multiple reports, hospitals and refugee camps are reaching capacity, international organisations have been looted, and the security situation is chaotic. 

The ongoing conflict is part of a broader regional struggle, with multiple foreign powers accused of meddling. Allegations of Rwanda’s backing of M23 rebels have fuelled tensions between the two countries, leading to widespread protests against Rwanda’s support throughout the DRC, further destabilising the fragile state. 

Despite calls from regional and international leaders for a ceasefire on Saturday evening, many remain sceptical about a resolution, with the group’s political leader Corneille Nangaa declaring his intention to march towards DRC’s capital, Kinshasa, during a stadium rally last week. As tensions escalate in Goma and beyond, Congo’s Lebanese community finds itself caught in the middle of the turmoil.

Lebanese embassy takes action

Haytham Ibrahim, Lebanon‘s chargé d’affaires in the DRC, assured that the situation for the Lebanese community remains stable for now, as the conflict is primarily between protesters and the government. 

“While most of the 25,000 Lebanese residents across the country have relocated from protest-affected areas, around 25 individuals have chosen to remain in Goma, the epicentre of the unrest, to protect their livelihoods, all under the close supervision of the Lebanese embassy,” Ibrahim told The New Arab.

While many Lebanese residents were left with no choice but to flee once more, others are simply unable to leave, as Vivian Van de Perre, the deputy head of the United Nations mission in the DRC, reported that Goma is “firmly under control at the moment of M23,” stating that all exit routes from the city are blocked, and the airport has been closed. 

According to Ibrahim, as the fighting intensified, the Lebanese embassy quickly coordinated efforts with the local community to ensure their safety.

“The embassy in Kinshasa played a central role in organising evacuation operations, working closely with both Congolese and Rwandan authorities to facilitate the safe passage of Lebanese citizens to Rwanda,” Ibrahim explained that, adding that the Lebanese Honorary Consul in Rwanda also played a key role, assisting evacuees and providing temporary accommodation.

Taha Salim, a Lebanese merchant living in Kinshasa who asked to be referred to by a pseudonym out of security concerns, explained that security forces had been deployed to protect businesses and homes. 

“My apartment building alone has more than 15 units protecting it,” he said. “We cannot step outside without coordinating with security.” 

Although it’s not one of Africa’s Lebanese communities, the community in DRC contributes to the country’s economy, with several business conglomerates being owned and run by Lebanese immigrants. In recent years, a number of these entities faced sanctions for funding Hezbollah, the Lebanese paramilitary designated a “terrorist group” by the US and European countries. 

Ibrahim assured that despite the violence surrounding them, the Lebanese community remains under close embassy supervision, and no injuries have been reported so far, though many businesses have been targeted by looters.

The embassy has also requested increased police protection for its offices, particularly after incidents where diplomatic vehicles were targeted. 

Security fears and economic losses

With the situation remaining volatile, anxiety is growing among the Lebanese community, particularly at night. According to multiple interviews, the sound of military vehicles triggers heightened fear, with many foreigners resorting to carrying weapons for protection, although this has not been independently confirmed.

In Kinshasa, some embassies, including those of the United States and France, were vandalised. While security forces have largely contained the violence, Lebanese businesses have not been spared, with reports of vandalism and theft. 

 As the unrest continues to disrupt daily life, many Lebanese families have moved their children out of schools and turned to online education, fearing for their safety. 

Salim shared that since the protests began, Lebanese residents have been stockpiling food and supplies, fearing that venturing into the streets could expose them to danger.

“The security chaos makes any foreigner an easy target for protesters or thieves, and a person may be killed for the simplest reasons,” Salim said, describing the tense environment among the community.

A Lebanese immigrant reported that communication with the outside world has become nearly impossible, as the government has blocked several social media platforms to curb the spread of protest-related information.

Despite the protests being mostly localised, incidents can quickly escalate, which makes every day uncertain for the Lebanese who remain. According to multiple interviews, many Lebanese-owned businesses were forced to shut down, resulting in losses estimated in the tens of millions of dollars. Some business owners have dismissed their employees due to the prolonged work stoppage, adding to the financial strain. 

Despite this, many from the Lebanese community are reluctant to leave, especially given their deep ties to Congo.

Moreover, some residents—particularly those from southern Lebanon—feel that returning to Lebanon is not an option given the ongoing conflict with Israel. Instead, many prefer to remain in Congo, a place they consider a “second home”, as they wait for the situation to stabilise.

This piece was published in collaboration with Egab.