Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ The United Nations has raised concerns over the potential for a “direct confrontation” between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. The two nations have been in conflict since the resurgence of the M23 rebellion in eastern Congo at the end of 2021. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted this risk, emphasizing that the situation has not improved over the last six months, particularly in terms of security and humanitarian aspects. The M23 rebels, predominantly Tutsi, seized and continue to occupy significant territory in North Kivu province. The conflict involves accusations of support for armed groups, with Kinshasa criticizing Kigali for backing the M23 rebellion, and Kigali accusing Kinshasa of collusion with the FDLR, a Rwandan Hutu armed group.
After a tentative calm of six months, fighting resumed in early October, involving militia described as “patriots” fighting against the M23. Huang Xia, the UN’s special envoy to the region, expressed concerns about the military reinforcement of both the DRC and Rwanda, the absence of direct high-level dialogue, and the persistence of hate speech.
Security Council representatives from various countries called for restraint, dialogue, and a political solution during a dedicated meeting. At the meeting’s conclusion, representatives from Rwanda and the DRC accused each other, with Kinshasa denouncing the “lack of political will” from Kigali, and Kigali criticizing the “aggression” of Kinshasa. Despite these tensions, both parties expressed a desire to find a peaceful solution.
The eastern part of the DRC has faced violence from numerous armed groups for almost three decades, stemming from regional conflicts in the 1990s-2000s. The United Nations has maintained a force in the country (MONUSCO) since 1999, comprising approximately 14,000 soldiers. Kinshasa has requested their departure by December, citing inefficiency. The Security Council, in a statement during its October presidency held by Brazil, indicated readiness to decide on the future of MONUSCO, including a gradual withdrawal with responsible and sustainable measures.
