The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has urged the international community to impose sanctions on Rwanda to curb the escalating M23 rebel conflict in eastern DRC and maintain regional stability, Communications Minister, Patrick Muyaya told Reuters on Monday.
The conflict has displaced approximately 500,000 people and led to the capture of Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC, sparking fears of a broader regional war reminiscent of past conflicts that claimed millions of lives between 1996 and 2003.
Foreign powers, including the United States and the European Union, have condemned Rwanda’s alleged involvement, with UN reports accusing Kigali of deploying thousands of troops and supplying weapons to the Tutsi-led M23 militia.
“A strong decision must be taken not only to condemn but to stop what Rwanda is doing,” Muyaya stated in Kinshasa. “Sanctions are the minimum, given the deliberate violation of international law and indiscriminate killings.”
Rwanda has denied directly sending troops into the DRC, maintaining that it is defending itself against threats from Congolese militias. However, the DRC Health Ministry has reported 773 deaths and 2,800 injuries in and around Goma since its capture.
On Monday, Red Cross workers buried 120 decomposing bodies in Goma to ease the strain on overcrowded morgues, while M23 fighters stood guard at a local cemetery, according to Reuters.
Meanwhile, as DRC forces work to prevent M23’s advance into South Kivu province, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have agreed to attend a regional summit in Kenya on February 7-8.
Muyaya emphasized that sanctions are necessary to pressure Rwanda into meaningful negotiations. While DRC is pursuing both diplomatic and military solutions, he reaffirmed that “it is out of the question to leave our people at the mercy of aggressors.”
Despite concerns over North Kivu province, Muyaya urged calm regarding South Kivu. France has announced plans to propose a draft resolution at the UN Security Council to increase pressure on Rwanda to withdraw its forces.
