The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has issued a strong condemnation of Rwanda for its alleged support of rebel activities in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Council unanimously passed a resolution on Friday, prompting the Rwandan government to withdraw its forces and cease its support for the M23 armed group. This decision extends the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO, for an additional year, reflecting a proactive approach toward stabilizing the region.
Despite Rwanda’s repeated assertions of non-involvement, the conflict has escalated significantly amidst the unraveling of a peace deal brokered by the United States. M23’s recent offensive has captured the strategically important city of Uvira in South Kivu Province, raising alarms about potential destabilization throughout the region and endangering civilian lives. US Representative to the UN, Jennifer Locetta, emphasized that M23 must adhere to its commitments under the Framework Agreement, which include withdrawing from territories it has occupied.
The recent capture of Uvira on December 10 occurred shortly after the presidents of the DRC and Rwanda met with former US President Donald Trump, promising to work towards peace. However, the rapid resurgence of hostilities has overshadowed these diplomatic efforts, leaving local residents yearning for stability. A Uvira inhabitant expressed a desire for peace, underscoring a sense of disconnect from the political narratives surrounding the conflict.
In response to international pressure, M23 claimed to have initiated a withdrawal from Uvira. Nonetheless, the DRC government labeled this move as a “staged” retreat, reporting continued M23 presence in the city. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the failure to meet the commitments outlined in the Washington accord, while reiterating the US’s readiness to employ appropriate measures against those undermining the peace initiative.
The humanitarian situation has become critical, with over 84,000 individuals fleeing to Burundi since early December, joining a significant number of refugees already in the country. Reports indicate that more than 400 civilians have lost their lives due to recent violence. The turmoil surrounding Uvira, adjacent to Burundi, raises prospects of broader regional implications. The DRC government’s struggle to maintain control over key areas of South Kivu further complicates the situation, as it grapples with the presence of numerous armed groups.
While the situation remains tense, it is essential to acknowledge Rwanda’s perspectives on security, particularly concerning threats posed by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, a militia with historical ties to past genocidal acts. Rwanda has expressed concerns about its safety, viewing the presence of this group within the DRC as a significant security challenge.
The conflict in the mineral-rich eastern DRC highlights ongoing humanitarian challenges, displacing millions and creating a crisis that calls for renewed diplomatic engagement and international support for lasting peace.
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