The debates were lively this week at the European Parliament in Brussels, with the participation of parliamentarians from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). One of them, Senator Laddy Yangotikala, elected from the province of Tshopo, strongly denounced the involvement of the international community in the security situation that has been raging in eastern DRC for many years.
In a strong speech, the Congolese senator accused the international community of complicity, saying that Rwandan President Paul Kagame had financial support to carry out military actions in eastern DRC through armed groups. According to him, these armed groups use violence against women as a weapon to destabilize the region, which is rich in minerals, but whose benefits benefit neither the DRC nor Rwanda.
Senator Yangotikala stressed that his accusations were not aimed at all Rwandans, but only at President Kagame and those who support him. He expressed his indignation at the rapes perpetrated by these armed groups and praised the courage of Congolese women who face such violence. He concluded his speech by urging to honor Congolese women for their true worth.
This speech resonates with international reports which have already documented Rwanda’s support for armed groups, notably the M23, which are waging a war of aggression in North Kivu. Some European countries and the United States have called on Rwanda to end this interference and promote a ceasefire. However, so far, Kigali has not responded favorably to these requests.
In a context where the security situation in the east of the DRC remains worrying, the debates in the European Parliament provide an important forum for highlighting issues related to the involvement of the international community, the fight against armed groups and to the protection of women’s rights in the region. This intervention by the Congolese senator raises questions and calls for in-depth reflection on the means of finding lasting solutions to this crisis.
In conclusion, the heated debates in the European Parliament enabled Congolese parliamentarians to denounce the involvement of the international community in the security situation in the DRC. These interventions underline the importance of finding solutions to end the violence in the east of the country and guarantee the protection of women’s rights. Senator Yangotikala’s accusations highlight complex issues and call for concerted action to achieve lasting peace in the region