The reinforcement of Rwandan troops in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is once again the subject of accusations. Rwanda is accused of increasing its military numbers in the region, thereby creating additional tensions in an already unstable area.
During an intervention before the UN Security Council, the Congolese Deputy Prime Minister of Foreign Affairs, Christophe Lutundula, denounced this increased military presence. He said a Rwandan army helicopter had recently landed in Rumangabo, a town in the DRC.
According to him, this increase in Rwandan troops in eastern DRC compromises the process of resolving the security crisis in the region. He therefore asks the Security Council to take measures to force Rwanda to respect the Nairobi-Luanda road map, which aims to find a peaceful solution to the situation.
Christophe Lutundula also accuses the M23 rebel group of refusing pre-cantonment at the Rumangabo camp and of not complying with disarmament and cantonment requirements in Maniema province. He therefore calls for firmer intervention by the Security Council to enforce these measures.
It is important to emphasize that these accusations of strengthening Rwandan troops in eastern DRC are not new. For several years, the Rwandan military presence in the region has been a subject of concern and recurring accusations from the Congolese authorities and the international community.
Rwanda, for its part, denies these accusations and asserts that it is only taking legitimate security measures to protect its borders against armed groups present in eastern DRC, notably the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). According to Rwanda, these armed groups are responsible for several attacks on its territory.
The situation in eastern DRC therefore remains tense, with accusations and counter-accusations fueling tensions between Rwanda and the DRC. It is essential that measures are taken to promote constructive dialogue between the two countries and to find a peaceful solution to the crisis. The international community has a major role to play in resolving this conflict, by encouraging dialogue and putting pressure on all parties to respect agreements and de-escalation measures. Only a peaceful and negotiated solution will put an end to the suffering of civilian populations in this region and promote stability and socio-economic development.