United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has recently urged for the Rwandan military forces to leave the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to escalating tension and attacks by rebels in the eastern region of the DRC. According to Guterres, the presence of these forces contributes to regional instability and human rights violations, which strengthens his reason for requesting their retraction.
The UN chief emphasized his concerns mainly over the human rights abuses by the Rwandan forces, as well as the infringements on the internationally recognized sovereignty of the DRC. Moreover, humanitarian access issues grew more severe, leading to further tensions among the two nations.
The clashes between the Rwandan forces and the M23 rebel group in the DRC’s eastern region have escalated significantly in recent times, creating a humanitarian crisis and leaving over 100,000 people displaced due to forced displacement. Amid this escalating conflict, international concerns over the consequences of any possible intervention by Rwandan forces become profound.
Furthermore, Guterres hopes that these calls will foster political will within both countries to find a diplomatic solution, consequently avoiding any long-term destabilization risks in the region. It is crucial for states in the region, including Rwanda, the DRC, and their international backers, to adopt measures that promote sustainable peace and take responsibility for the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
