Civil society organizations in Haut-Katanga have expressed their desire for the UK to take a stand against Rwandan aggression in the DRC. They expressed their frustration with the speeches of condemnation which produced no results. Delegates demand that Britain use its influence over Paul Kagame to end the war in eastern DRC. They also suggested that the DRC be equipped with the necessary weapons to fight against Rwanda.
Activists have stressed that it is vital that the UK does not remain silent in the face of Rwanda’s continued aggression in the DRC. They criticized Britain for limiting itself to statements of condemnation and urged British leaders to take concrete action to help the DRC.
However, the deputy head of mission of the British embassy in the DRC replied that Britain had a particular position in relation to this war. He said the UK had opted for private discussions with Presidents Kagame and Felix Tshisekedi, so that together they could find a lasting solution.
However, the reasons why Rwanda is attacking the DRC are no longer valid according to Emmanuel Umpula, director of the NGO Afrewatch. He believes that it is time for Rwanda to engage in discussions with the “new generation” of Congolese “rebels” on Congolese soil, rather than justifying its pressure on the DRC by genocidaires.
Finally, Gilbert Kyungu, president of the Community Media Network, wondered why Rwanda was chosen to transfer unwanted immigrants to Great Britain, while this “small country is in search of space for its own people”.
British diplomacy gives no indication of great momentum in this quest for peace in the DRC. Civil society organizations in Haut-Katanga are increasingly demanding that Britain take concrete action to help the DRC