The political and security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to raise concerns about the stability of the Great Lakes region. The Congolese government’s recent stance in favor of the Luanda process for the return of peace in the east of the country, particularly in the face of the resurgence of the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group, raises crucial questions about the resolution of this crisis.
The DRC Ambassador to the United Nations, Zénon Mukongo, expressed the need for this process to be accompanied by guarantees of success and justice, in order to ensure genuine reconciliation and combat impunity. It is crucial that those responsible for human rights violations and attacks on national sovereignty be brought to justice, in order to restore confidence and establish a climate of lasting peace.
The firm position of the Congolese government, expressed at the UN podium by President Félix Tshisekedi, reaffirming the request for sanctions against Rwanda and demanding the withdrawal of its troops from Congolese soil, reflects the country’s determination to protect its territorial integrity and put an end to all forms of foreign interference.
Despite ongoing diplomatic initiatives, such as the Luanda talks, the continued presence of Rwandan troops alongside the M23 rebels constitutes a major obstacle to the resolution of the conflict. The international community must strongly condemn these acts of destabilization and consider targeted sanctions to force Rwanda to respect the sovereignty of the DRC.
In this context, the priority remains the search for a peaceful and lasting solution to the crisis in eastern DRC. It is imperative that all stakeholders fully engage in the Luanda process, respecting the commitments made and working towards national reconciliation and the security of local populations.
In short, resolving the crisis in eastern DRC inevitably requires respect for the Luanda process, an end to foreign support for armed groups and the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory. Only an inclusive approach, based on dialogue and justice, can guarantee peace and stability in this strategic region of Central Africa.