News: The heated debates in the European Parliament on the situation in the DRC
The heated debates animated the European Parliament this week, in Brussels, the Belgian capital. Among the participants, some Congolese political figures took the floor to denounce the stranglehold of the international community on the security situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
One of the most vehement speakers was the Congolese senator Laddy Yangotikala, elected from the province of Tshopo. From the outset, he accused the international community of being complicit in the situation that has been tearing the east of the country apart for decades. According to him, Rwandan President Paul Kagame would benefit from financial support from the international community, which would allow him to carry out belligerent actions in the region using armed groups.
Yangotikala highlighted the use of violence against women as a weapon of destabilization. He also specified that the violence was concentrated in areas rich in minerals, without these minerals being exploited either in the DRC or in Rwanda. The senator then warned against the amalgamation between the accusations against Rwanda and all Rwandans, specifying that his speech was only aimed at President Kagame and his government.
He also denounced the financing of Mr. Kagame by the international community, accusing the latter of supplying arms to the armed groups responsible for sexual violence in the DRC. The senator spoke of the humiliation suffered by the Congolese people and praised the courage of the women victims of this violence. He concluded by calling for honoring these women at their fair value.
These statements echo several international reports, including that of United Nations experts, which have documented Rwanda’s support for armed groups such as the M23, responsible for a war of aggression in North Kivu. Some European countries and the United States have also called on Rwanda to stop its interference and withdraw its soldiers, in favor of a ceasefire. Requests that have not been accepted by Kigali.
This case highlights the complex issues of the situation in the DRC and the multiple actors involved. The debates in the European Parliament show the international concern about this situation and the diversity of opinions and positions on the issue. It remains to be seen how this case will evolve and what actions will be taken to foster peace and stability in eastern DRC.