The dreary situation in the east of the DR Congo as confirmed by UN officials has prompted Kinshasa to demand an urgent resolution condemning Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict and recommending sanctions.
“The time for endless compromises is over,” said DRC Minister of State, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, before the UN Security Council on Wednesday, February 19, as the situation in the east of the country continues to deteriorate dramatically.
This forceful tone comes against a particularly tense situation after the capture of Goma at the end of January by the M23, followed by the occupation of Bukavu and Kamanyola in February, as confirmed during the same session by Bintou Keita, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in the DRC.
“The Democratic Republic of Congo demands a public vote as soon as possible on a resolution that clearly denounces the Rwandan occupation and demands the withdrawal of its troops,” insisted the head of Congolese diplomacy.
The UN noted that the M23 rebels, “supported by the Rwandan army,” now completely in control of the roads in the areas under their domination.
Faced with this situation, the Congolese minister particularly insisted on “the need to adopt targeted sanctions” and “to put an end to all support, direct or indirect, in favour of Rwanda.”
Ms. Keïta notably revealed the installation of a parallel administration in Goma, where the M23 has appointed a governor and a mayor.
Meanwhile the humanitarian situation is worsening, with the blocking of MONUSCO operations by the M23, preventing in particular damage assessments and de-mining operations in Goma.
Special envoy Huang Xia called for an immediate ceasefire, welcoming the recent regional initiatives of the East African Community and the Southern Africa Development Community which have vehemently condemned the M23 offensive and its backers.
AC/sf/lb/as/APA