In the unstable eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the security situation remains worrying, as revealed in a recent report by experts from the United Nations (UN). This document highlights the growing presence of the Rwandan army in the region, with a significant increase in the numbers of the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF). This heightened military presence is accompanied by significant logistical and material support, including training camps and weapons, as well as the presence of around 4,000 Rwandan soldiers on Congolese territory.
Faced with these worrying revelations, Belgium reacted by calling on Rwanda to cease its military operations in the DRC and to withdraw its troops from Congolese territory. In addition, the European country asked Congolese authorities to end all cooperation with armed groups, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
In an official statement, Belgium condemned the abuses committed by all armed groups in the DRC against civilian populations and called for an end to hostilities, as well as the initiation of demobilization and reintegration processes for combatants. . The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) also took measures by formally prohibiting any contact between their soldiers and the FDLR, even sanctioning a high-ranking officer for collaboration with this rebel group.
Belgium points the finger at those responsible for these human rights violations, urging Rwanda to immediately end its military operations and asking the M23 to stop the abuses against civilian populations. The UN experts’ report highlights not only Rwanda’s active support for the M23 and the Congo River Alliance, but also the control of Rwanda and the M23 over territories in the DRC, as well as the establishment of a illegal civil administration by this rebel group.
Faced with this escalation of violence and instability in the DRC, Belgium calls on all parties involved to engage in diplomatic solutions and to support the recommendations of the UN experts’ report. A political solution is needed to achieve peace and security in eastern DRC, addressing the root causes of insecurity and encouraging stability and regional cooperation.
In this tense context, President Félix Tshisekedi set up a “Security Task Force” to supervise the operations of the DRC Armed Forces and ensure permanent monitoring on the ground. A two-week truce is underway along the front lines in an attempt to defuse tensions and find peaceful solutions to ongoing conflicts.
This alarming situation requires an urgent and concerted response from the international community to end the violence and restore peace in eastern DRC. The civilian populations, victims of these clashes, deserve protection and support to rebuild their lives in a safe and stable environment.