Title: The ritual denunciation of Rwandan aggression by the Congolese president at the United Nations: a diplomatic impasse
Introduction :
Every year, during his speech to the United Nations General Assembly, the Congolese president never misses the opportunity to denounce the Rwandan aggression raging in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, despite these repeated denunciations, the situation remains frozen and the Rwandan occupier continues to operate with complete impunity. This ritual denunciation seems to have little effect, leaving the Congolese waiting for a real resolution to this conflict which disrupts the territorial integrity of the country.
A status quo favorable to the Rwandan occupier:
For several years, significant parts of Congolese territory, notably the town of Bunagana, have been under the occupation of Rwandan forces and their local allies, such as the M23 rebel movement. Despite multiple summits and pacification initiatives, no significant progress has been made in resolving this conflict. The United Nations, through MONUSCO, fails to enforce the principle of respect for the territorial integrity of States, thus allowing the Rwandan occupier to act with complete impunity.
An imbalance in international relations:
The balancing act of the United States of America in this conflict only maintains the Rwandan regime’s zone of comfort and influence. By asking both Kigali to cease all support for the M23 and Kinshasa to no longer support the FDLR, the United States is putting the two parties back to back, thus allowing the conflict to continue. This balanced approach only reinforces the legitimacy of the Rwandan aggression, justifying it by the alleged support of the Congolese authorities for the Rwandan Hutu rebels.
The expectations of the Congolese people:
For the Congolese president, it is imperative to propose more than a simple ritual condemnation during his speech to the UN. The Congolese people, particularly those living in the east of the country, expect concrete and effective actions to put an end to Rwandan aggression. During his mandate, the president conditioned the success of his presidency on the pacification of eastern DRC. It is therefore crucial that it finds lasting solutions to restore the territorial integrity of the country and guarantee the security of its citizens.
Conclusion :
The ritual denunciation of Rwandan aggression by the Congolese president to the United Nations has become a habit with no concrete effect on the reality on the ground. Despite the promises and commitments of the various parties, the situation remains unchanged. It is time to move from simple condemnation to real action, by involving international actors and putting in place concrete measures to resolve this conflict. The Congolese people deserve true peace and stability in the east of the country, and it is time for the international community to act in this direction.