The situation between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda continues to cause tension and concern. Despite evidence provided by UN experts regarding Rwandan support for the M23 armed group in eastern DRC, the Congolese government is not disarming.
In its final report dated June 13, the UN group of experts highlighted the military, logistical and supply support provided by Kigali to the M23. This support allowed the M23 to take control of entire territories in the province of North Kivu, causing the death of thousands of Congolese civilians and the displacement of a million people.
Faced with these elements, the Congolese government renewed its call for UN sanctions against the Rwandan officers and the M23. He calls for severe and exemplary sanctions so that those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice. The Congolese government also insists on the need for proper implementation of the Luanda roadmap, which aims to bring peace to eastern DRC.
Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya also welcomed the decision of the UK Court of Appeal which found that Rwanda is not a safe country to send asylum seekers to. He calls the Rwandan policy “repugnant” because it claims to solve refugee problems while creating new refugees through DRC aggression.
UN experts have also singled out several Rwandan army officers involved in supporting the M23. General James Kabarebe, former chief of staff of the Congolese army and current defense and security adviser to Rwandan President Paul Kagame, is cited as the mastermind behind these operations. Other senior Rwandan army officers are also mentioned in the report.
Despite Rwanda’s denials, the evidence continues to accumulate and it is crucial that concrete measures be taken to punish those responsible for these acts. The UN Security Council must act and impose targeted sanctions to ensure that justice is done and that peace can finally be restored in eastern DRC.
In conclusion, the situation between the DRC and Rwanda remains tense, with clear evidence of Rwandan support for the M23 armed group in the DRC. The Congolese government calls for sanctions against those responsible and calls for the implementation of the Luanda roadmap to restore peace. It is crucial that concrete measures are taken to put an end to this situation and allow the DRC to regain stability and security.