Title: Rwandan aggression in eastern DRC: a devastating humanitarian scourge
Introduction :
A few months before the elections, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo officially presented “White Paper 2” on the humanitarian tragedy caused by Rwandan aggression in the eastern part of the country. This document, which complements the previous volume published in December 2022, highlights the devastating consequences of this aggression on the Congolese population. In this article, we will examine the key figures presented in “White Paper 2” and the significant impact of Rwandan aggression on the DRC.
The key figures of the Rwandan aggression:
According to data presented by government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya, the Rwandan aggression deprived 1.5 million Congolese citizens of voting age of their right to enlist for the upcoming elections. In addition, it led to the internal displacement of 2.39 million people and compromised the education of 2,000 children. Schools have been deserted, occupied, destroyed and burned, leaving these children deprived of education.
Humanitarian consequences and damage caused:
In addition to the alarming figures relating to citizens deprived of the right to vote, “White Paper 2” highlights the disastrous humanitarian consequences of the Rwandan aggression. More than 2.39 million people have been forced to move within the country, leading to additional pressure on natural resources, including deforestation due to the search for firewood for the displaced population. In addition, 67 health centers were hit, destroyed or damaged by the M23, the Rwandan army’s proxy.
Irrefutable evidence:
“White Paper 2” presents irrefutable evidence of the involvement of the Rwandan army in this aggression and the international crimes that resulted from it. It demonstrates how the M23, under cover of the Rwandan army, carried out criminal activities in the eastern DRC. This underlines Rwanda’s responsibility in this humanitarian tragedy and the damage caused to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Conclusion :
Rwandan aggression in eastern DRC has had a devastating impact on the Congolese population. The key figures presented in “White Paper 2” highlight the humanitarian consequences and damage caused by this aggression. It is more necessary than ever to find solutions to put an end to this instability and protect the rights and well-being of the Congolese population. The wait for the elections next December will be an opportunity to see how the government will act to remedy this tragedy and prevent new attacks in the future.