Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebels: a concern for rebellious France
Insubordinate France has recently expressed concern over Rwanda’s support for M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Following a video in which François Ruffin points the finger at President Macron for his lack of action in the face of this situation, his colleague Carlos Martens Bilongo tabled a motion for a resolution in the National Assembly to condemn this Rwandan support. This text is supported by all the members of France insoumise.
As president of the France-DRC friendship group, the MP for Val-d’Oise has visited Kinshasa twice this year, on parliamentary missions in January and during Macron’s presidential tour in March. He criticizes France for not being sufficiently committed to resolving the conflict in the east of the country and for not making its voice heard in the face of the abuses perpetrated by the M23 rebels.
Based on reports from NGOs and the United Nations, the MP highlights the responsibility of the Rwandan army in supporting the rebels and denounces the illegal looting of Congolese mineral resources by Rwanda. His motion for a resolution calls for not turning a blind eye to the disastrous humanitarian situation and calls on the French government to act diplomatically to end all Rwandan support for the rebels.
On Wednesday, the MP will hold a press conference to promote his motion for a resolution, which will be put to the vote of MPs as soon as possible, probably on November 30. In the meantime, he will have to convince the members of the other parliamentary groups to support this resolution, in particular the parties of the presidential majority. “The DRC is the largest French-speaking country, underlines the deputy. Its people expect from France more clarity and commitment in the resolution of this conflict”.
Last December, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, condemned Rwandan support for M23, which angered Kigali. Four months later, Emmanuel Macron called on Rwanda to assume its responsibilities, without compromising reconciliation between the two countries.
It is crucial to stress that the situation in the DRC and Rwandan support for the M23 rebels are major issues that require resolute action from the international community. As a country committed to the defense of human rights and peace, France has a key role to play in ending this conflict and contributing to the stability of the Great Lakes region