The Congolese government persists in its firmness in the face of the situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite the evidence provided by UN experts on Rwanda’s support for the armed group M23, Kinshasa reiterates its call for targeted sanctions against those responsible for these acts.
In a report published on June 13, UN experts detailed the military and logistical support provided by Kigali to the M23. This armed group succeeded in taking control of vast territories in the province of North Kivu, causing the death of thousands of Congolese civilians and the massive displacement of the population.
Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya called on members of the UN Security Council to take concrete steps to sanction the Rwandan officers involved, as well as the M23 leaders. He insists on the need to prosecute those responsible for their crimes and violations of human rights.
In the search for justice, the Congolese government is also asking for a more active contribution from the Security Council in the implementation of the Luanda roadmap, which aims to bring peace to eastern DRC.
Along with these demands for sanctions, the Congolese government welcomes the decision of the UK Court of Appeal to recognize that Rwanda is not a safe country for asylum seekers. This decision confirms the systematic human rights violations committed by the Rwandan government, which claims to solve the problems of refugees while creating more forced displacements in the region.
UN experts have also revealed the involvement of senior Rwandan army officers in supporting M23. General James Kabarebe, former chief of staff of the Congolese army and current defense and security adviser to President Paul Kagame, is said to be particularly involved in the coordination of these operations. They also identified other senior Rwandan army officers involved in this collaboration with the M23.
Despite Rwanda’s denials, the evidence presented by UN experts is overwhelming. Rwandan troops have been observed reinforcing the M23 on several occasions, contributing to the takeover of strategic areas. These actions are only tactical maneuvers to gain time in the face of international pressure, without any real desire to put an end to the violence.
It is essential that tough and exemplary measures be taken against those responsible for these acts, in order to put an end to impunity and guarantee justice for the victims. The Congolese government is determined to do its part to ensure the success of the ongoing peace processes and hopes to be able to count on the support of the UN Security Council in this process.
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