DR Congo Appeals to UN for Sanctions Against Rwanda Amid…

The DRC has urged the UN to sanction Rwanda, claiming it declared war by sending troops to support the M23 group advancing toward Goma. With the situation escalating, foreign peacekeepers are being targeted, and diplomatic relations between the neighboring countries have deteriorated. Calls for an embargo on Rwandan minerals and immediate ceasefire reflect the escalating humanitarian crisis and the need for international intervention.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has called upon the United Nations (UN) to impose sanctions on Rwanda, alleging that the latter has made a “declaration of war” by deploying additional troops across the border. Congolese officials assert that these reinforcements are aiding the Rwandan-supported M23 militia, which is making aggressive advances towards Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. This has exacerbated the ongoing conflict, resulting in casualties among foreign peacekeepers and growing international scrutiny of Rwanda’s actions.

During an emergency session of the UN Security Council, DRC’s Foreign Minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, characterized Rwanda’s military actions as blatant violations of Congolese sovereignty. She stated that the influx of Rwandan troops represents “a frontal assault, a declaration of war that no longer hides behind diplomatic artifice.” Reports indicate that between 500 to 1,000 additional Rwandan soldiers crossed into the DRC on the same day.

Both nations have reciprocally withdrawn their diplomatic personnel amid deteriorating relations, particularly following the cancellation of peace talks between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi. The situation escalated as the M23 quickly moved closer to Goma, which houses over a million residents and countless displaced individuals due to the ongoing violence.

The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has urged Rwanda to withdraw its troops and cease support for the M23. Following renewed hostilities, he called for an immediate ceasefire and for the M23 to halt its attacks. This appeal aligns with sentiments from the African Union and the United States, which have joined calls for an immediate cessation of violence.

An ongoing UN report has implicated Rwanda in exploiting the DRC’s resources through the M23 for its own benefit. In response to this, Minister Kayikwamba has requested the Security Council to enforce a total embargo on minerals labeled as Rwandan, specifically gold.

The DRC has begun pulling its diplomats from Rwanda following a series of incidents that heightened tensions, including a Rwandan drone strike on DRC positions. The recurring conflict in the eastern DRC dates back over three decades, with numerous armed factions vying for power and control over valuable mineral resources. The region is currently policed by approximately 15,000 UN peacekeepers, facing increasing threats amid the escalating violence.

The situation between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda has been fraught with conflict for years, primarily over territorial disputes and the control of rich mineral resources in the region. The M23 rebel group has historically received support from Rwanda, complicating the DRC’s efforts for stability. Recent military engagements have reignited tensions, prompting the DRC to seek international intervention through the United Nations, emphasizing the urgent need for sanctions against Rwanda for its perceived aggressive maneuvers.

In conclusion, the DRC has formally accused Rwanda of declaring war by sending troops across its border in support of the M23 militia, leading to calls for UN sanctions. The ongoing conflict has resulted in increased casualties and exacerbated humanitarian crises in Goma, a city already strained by the influx of displaced individuals. As international actors call for an immediate ceasefire, the situation remains volatile, necessitating urgent diplomatic engagement and resolutions to restore peace.

Original Source: www.citizentribune.com