**The Democratic Republic of Congo and the persistent threat of Rwanda: between tangible evidence and international impunity**
In an already tumultuous context, a recent report by UN experts has highlighted a disturbing reality: the direct involvement of the Rwandan army in the destabilization of the North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to the recommendations of the report, the presence of nearly 4,000 Rwandan soldiers, working in close collaboration with the M23 rebel movement, raises alarming questions about the national sovereignty of Congo and the crucial assistance that Rwanda provides to dissident forces.
Following these revelations, a crucial question arises: what is causing this apparent absence of sanctions against Paul Kagame and his government, despite incontrovertible evidence of violent actions against a sovereign state? The concerns expressed by Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Congo, revealed a frustration shared by many Congolese with the inaction of the UN Security Council. Indeed, the lack of immediate responses to these serious violations of international law highlights a worrying dynamic where geopolitical interests seem to prevail over the fundamental principles of international justice.
A War Trophy: Impunity
The impunity enjoyed by Rwanda, despite documented atrocities, raises the question of the responsibility of the great powers within the UN Security Council. What hidden interests or strategic alliances could explain such leniency towards a country implicated in the destabilization of its neighbor? In a striking comparison, it would be appropriate to analyze how other countries, such as Russia in Ukraine, face severe sanctions as soon as they violate international norms. The difference in international responses highlights a double standard in terms of global justice.
Indeed, the situation in the DRC could be seen from a quantitative and qualitative perspective: the human losses due to armed conflicts in Central Africa are no longer countable. The number of deaths, internally displaced persons, as well as those of children trapped in this spiral of violence, is staggering. With more than 5.5 million displaced people in this region alone, the DRC could well become a new fracture point in regional stability, if the international community continues to ignore these vital issues. UN member countries, which often present themselves as champions of human rights, must realize that inaction in the face of this type of crisis helps to perpetuate a cycle of violence and suffering..
A crisis of communication?
It is essential to ask the following question: does the problem lie only in the failing diplomatic relations between Congo and the international community, or is there a lack of effective communication of the news that afflicts the country? The media, both local and international, play a fundamental role in raising public awareness. In this sense, the presentation of conflicts in the DRC is often overshadowed by other geopolitical crises, thus creating an atmosphere of disengagement. The lack of adequate media coverage leads to a misunderstanding of the issues at stake and contributes to the erosion of international support.
Patrick Bilek, an expert in African politics, recently pointed out that “Congo, as a country rich in natural resources, is perceived not as an actor, but as a silent victim suffering from the plundering of its wealth by internal and external forces.” Such a perspective can largely explain why the UN, often considered the voice of the voiceless, struggles to act.
Towards an uncertain future
Faced with this abyss of uncertainty, the Democratic Republic of Congo must intensify its efforts to raise awareness of its realities. Minister Kayikwamba’s promise to draw up a list of individuals to be sanctioned is a step in the right direction, but it must be accompanied by a strong plea to the international media, in order to make Congo’s voice heard.
In short, the DRC is at a crossroads. The challenge is to create a coherent narrative that not only exposes the truth about the situation on the ground, but also urges the international community to change its approach to impunity. To move forward, it is imperative that the DRC transforms its challenge into an opportunity to redefine its international relations, by putting justice at the heart of collective debates. The repercussions of this crisis are not just a question of regional politics; they could well redraw the landscape of the global order if the world chooses to act before it is too late.
Behind every conflict lies a human story, and that of the Democratic Republic of Congo deserves to be heard and validated by all. The complicit silence of nations must end.