Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Ernest Rwamucyo, urged the international community to take immediate action against the FDLR group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to help restore stability and ensure lasting peace in the region. Speaking at a UN Security Council briefing on January 28, Rwamucyo emphasized the growing urgency to address the security situation in DRC, where the M23 rebel group has recently taken control of the key eastern city of Goma.
Rwamucyo highlighted that the FDLR, composed of individuals linked to Rwanda’s former army and groups involved in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, continues to fuel conflict in eastern DRC. The group is part of a coalition of armed factions that are actively fighting alongside the Congolese army (FARDC), supported by regional forces from Southern Africa, Burundi, and European mercenaries, in their battle against the M23 rebel group.
During the session, DRC representatives once again accused Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim Rwamucyo firmly denied. Instead, he pointed out that such accusations served as a diversion from the DRC’s internal issues and aggressive actions towards Rwanda.
Rwamucyo condemned the recent shelling by Congolese forces, which resulted in civilian casualties in Rwanda’s Rubavu district. He called the attack a clear violation of international law, describing it as an unacceptable act of aggression. The Rwandan envoy reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to a peaceful resolution but criticized DRC’s refusal to engage in dialogue with rebel groups, opting instead for military confrontations.
In addition to calling for an end to violence, Rwamucyo noted Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to provide humanitarian support, including shelter for refugees fleeing the conflict. He revealed that Rwanda had also facilitated the evacuation of foreign nationals and European mercenaries caught in the violence.
The Rwandan Ambassador did not mince words in criticizing President Tshisekedi’s repeated threats to overthrow Rwanda’s government and his mobilization of a coalition involving the FDLR and other foreign forces. Rwamucyo called for the withdrawal of all foreign troops and mercenaries from the DRC and called on the international community to hold accountable those responsible for perpetuating violence.
Rwanda’s envoy also reminded the Security Council that the conflict in DRC could have been resolved sooner if the DRC government had shown a genuine commitment to peace talks. He pointed out that Kinshasa’s unilateral decisions, including the exclusion of M23 from dialogue, have only worsened the situation.
As the international community grapples with the ongoing crisis, Rwamucyo emphasized the role of MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping mission in DRC. He argued that MONUSCO could help restore peace by ceasing its support for forces intent on undermining Rwanda’s security.
Rwanda’s position remains clear: it seeks no hostility but continues to face existential threats from destabilizing forces along its border. The ambassador called for all parties to respect the August 2024 ceasefire agreement, which would pave the way for direct dialogue between DRC and the M23 rebel group.