The European Union has called on Rwanda to withdraw its forces from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and end its alleged military support for the M23 rebel group.
Speaking in Kinshasa, the EU’s special representative for Africa’s Great Lakes region, Johan Borgstram, stated that Rwanda’s presence in eastern DRC violates Congolese sovereignty and emphasized that a political resolution is necessary to end the conflict.
“Rwandan forces are on Congolese soil and must return home. The solution to the conflict is not military but political,” Borgstram said, urging both countries to engage in negotiations under regional mediation.
While in Rwanda, Borgstram said President Paul Kagame defended his country’s actions by citing security concerns and accusing the Congolese government of lacking political will. However, the EU maintains that Rwanda’s involvement in eastern DRC constitutes a territorial violation.
The M23 rebel group, which expanded its control in eastern DRC in December by capturing key areas including Goma and Bukavu, claims to be protecting the rights of Congolese Tutsis who say they face discrimination. Congo, along with international allies, accuses Rwanda of backing the group—an allegation Kigali denies.
Amid growing tensions, Germany joined the US and UK in imposing financial sanctions on Rwanda over its alleged role in the conflict. Meanwhile, the UN refugee agency reports that nearly 80,000 people have fled eastern DRC since January, with around 61,000 seeking refuge in Burundi.