On this date of February 20, 2024, international news highlights the tense situation between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. Indeed, the United States recently expressed concern over Rwanda’s involvement in supporting the M23 armed group operating in eastern DRC.
This firm statement from the Biden administration marks a turning point regarding the passivity of the international community in the face of Rwandan aggression. Antony Blinken, American Secretary of State, thus underlined the need for Rwanda to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the Rwandan Defense Forces from Congolese territory.
The situation is all the more worrying due to the escalation of violence in eastern DRC caused by the actions of the armed group M23, supported by Rwanda and sanctioned by the United States and the UN. Recent incursions by this armed group into the town of Sake have caused additional suffering for the region’s already vulnerable population.
The United States continues to support regional diplomatic efforts aimed at defusing the crisis and promoting lasting peace in the DRC. They call on all parties concerned to engage in constructive discussions with a view to a negotiated solution.
The crisis has attracted the attention of the UN Security Council, which will hold a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC. France, author of the file, requested this meeting in order to find solutions to this crisis which is seriously affecting the region.
Through this new pressure exerted by the United States on Rwanda, the conflict between the two countries and its repercussions on the DRC underline the importance of international interventions to protect the sovereignty of States and ensure regional stability.