East of the DRC: Congolese and Rwandans clash again against the UN, warning from the United States

With our correspondent in Kinshasa, Paulina Zidi

Ten countries have once again called on Rwanda to withdraw its troops from the DRC. However, the Rwandan ambassador mentioned the threat that the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group originally made up of former Rwandan genocidaires, still poses to his country.

“You do not have the right to come and protect the Congolese populations on their territory. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is sufficiently equipped to ensure the security of its own populations,” replied the Congolese representative.

The UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region then called on all parties to an immediate ceasefire. “No solution, no mediation, no verification mechanism can succeed if the directly involved parties do not choose the path of peace,” he declared.

“Those who undermine peace should expect consequences”

The United States has requested the Congolese government to honor its commitments to immediately neutralize the FDLR. And to warn all parties: “Those who undermine peace should expect consequences,” added the American ambassador. It should be noted that the United States imposed a series of sanctions against Rwanda last March.

The eastern part of the DRC, rich in natural resources and bordering Rwanda, has been plagued by violence for the past 30 years. Several ceasefires and truces have been signed since the end of 2021 and the resurgence of the armed group M23 supported by Rwanda in the region.

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At the start of 2025, the AFC/M23 and its allies successively took over the major cities of Goma and Bukavu at the end of an offensive.

Two agreements have been signed since then: a declaration of principles in Doha by the AFC/M23 and the Kinshasa government, defining commitments for a ceasefire, and a “peace and prosperity” agreement, endorsed in Washington in December by the DRC and Rwanda. So far, these two texts have not ended the clashes.