The disastrous consequences of Rwanda’s aggression against the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023 continue to take their toll. Alarming figures were revealed during the presentation of volume 2 of the White Paper on this tragedy. These figures highlight the considerable impact of this conflict on the electoral process in the DRC.
It was revealed that 1.5 million citizens living in occupation zones were unable to register to vote, thus affecting their democratic participation. In addition, legislative candidates were unable to submit their candidacies to the CENI due to Rwandan aggression. This situation is extremely worrying and calls into question the legitimacy of the current electoral process.
The Minister of Communication and Media and government spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya, highlighted the humanitarian, economic and environmental consequences of this aggression. He mentioned that more than 2.3 million people have been displaced, putting the education of more than 200,000 children at risk. Schools were deserted, occupied and even destroyed, which had a devastating impact on the education of young Congolese.
Furthermore, the Virunga Park, a protected heritage of humanity, has suffered considerable damage which could take several years to repair. The eco-guards who protect the park have also been victims of the deteriorating security situation, with more than 14 of them losing their lives. Economic activities around the park were disrupted, resulting in losses estimated at between $40 and $60 million.
At the economic level, the losses are also significant. Commercial activities around the Bunagana border post and Kinshasa recorded a monthly shortfall of more than $1 million. Additionally, infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the Bunagana-Goma road, have been seriously compromised.
Faced with this situation, the Congolese government welcomed the sanctions imposed by the European Union and the United States against the Rwandan officers involved in these crimes. Minister Muyaya called on national and international public opinion to read the White Paper to realize the seriousness of the ongoing crisis in the DRC and not to be fooled by false propaganda.
The Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Rose Mutombo, explained that the White Paper was an advocacy document. It aims to collect evidence of crimes committed during armed conflicts in order to support complaints filed before different jurisdictions.
The White Paper, presented in two volumes, irrefutably demonstrates Rwanda’s aggression against the DRC and the resulting international crimes. It highlights the criminal activities carried out by the Rwandan army and the M23. This document is essential to understand the complex and dramatic situation that the Democratic Republic of Congo is going through.
It is crucial to highlight these events and inform the public about the disastrous consequences of this attack. The international community must continue to support the DRC in its fight for justice and stability, in order to ensure a better future for the country and its citizens.