The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to press for sanctions against those responsible for the military and logistical support provided by Rwanda to the armed group M23 in the east of the country. A recent report by UN experts also confirmed these links, highlighting the role of some Rwandan officers in coordinating M23 operations in the DRC.
The Congolese government spokesperson stressed during a briefing with the press that “severe and exemplary” sanctions must be taken against these officials so that they answer for their actions and that justice is done for the thousands Congolese civilians who are victims of this violence. He also called on the UN Security Council to contribute more to the implementation of the Luanda roadmap, which aims to bring peace to the east of the country.
In addition, the recent decision of the Court of Appeal of the United Kingdom to judge that Rwanda is not a “safe third country” for sending asylum seekers has been welcomed by the Congolese government. This decision confirms, according to the spokesperson, the human rights violations committed by the Rwandan government, which claims to solve the refugee problems while creating more refugees and displaced people in the region.
Despite Rwanda’s denials, the evidence accumulated by UN experts clearly demonstrates the active support of the Rwandan army to the M23. This evidence includes the presence of Rwandan soldiers on the ground, as well as the involvement of senior Rwandan army officers in the planning and coordination of M23 operations in the DRC.
Faced with this worrying situation, the Congolese government continues to call for concrete measures and targeted sanctions to punish those responsible for these crimes. He remains determined to contribute to the search for peace in the east of the country, while calling on the international community to show firmness in the face of these acts of destabilization.
It is essential that the truth be established and that the responsibility be established in order to end impunity and guarantee security and stability in eastern DRC. The evidence is there, now is the time to act