**Dr. Denis Mukwege Urges Immediate Action Against Rwandan Support for Rebels**
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate of 2018, Dr. Denis Mukwege, has raised serious concerns about the recent report from UN experts indicating the presence of 4,000 Rwandan soldiers operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with sophisticated equipment in the territories of Nyiragongo, Rutshuru, and Masisi in North Kivu. In a statement on Thursday, January 9, 2025, the former presidential candidate called on the international community to move beyond mere condemnations and take strong sanctions against Rwanda.
Dr. Mukwege emphasized the need for immediate and decisive measures to halt Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebel group and withdraw its forces from Congolese soil. He highlighted the alarming situation in Eastern DRC, stating that the international community must take concrete actions rather than empty words to address the destabilization in the region.
**Exploitation of Mineral Resources: The Role of AFC-M23**
According to a report released by the UN experts on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, the AFC-M23 coalition has established a sophisticated system to control the extraction, trade, and export of coltan from Rubaya in North Kivu. This system has generated significant financial resources to fund rebel activities. The report revealed that at least 150 tons of coltan were fraudulently exported to Rwanda, leading to a major contamination of the 3T minerals (tin, tantalum, tungsten) supply chains in the Great Lakes region, described as the most significant contamination in a decade.
**Forced Recruitments and Military Activities**
Since April 2024, the AFC-M23 has engaged in forced recruitments, including minors. The report indicated that 3,000 recruits completed their military training between September 25 and October 31, 2024, while 2,500 others, including 600 members of the Zaïre armed group in Ituri, were still undergoing training by the end of 2024.
**On-Ground Situation: Escalation of Tensions**
In a recent military development, the Congolese army announced that the M23 had retaken Masisi-center, the administrative center of Masisi territory, less than 24 hours after it was reclaimed by the FARDC-Wazalendo coalition. During a high-level security meeting led by President Félix Tshisekedi and attended by the new Chief of Staff of the FARDC, Jules Banza Mbwilambwe, the army reaffirmed its commitment to liberate all territories under the control of Rwandan-backed rebels.
The situation in Eastern DRC remains precarious, with ongoing clashes and a growing humanitarian crisis that requires urgent attention and intervention from the international community to prevent further escalation and protect civilian lives.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, Dr. Denis Mukwege’s call to action serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the complex dynamics fueling conflict and instability in the DRC. The exploitation of mineral resources, forced recruitment of combatants, and external support for rebel groups underscore the multifaceted challenges facing the region. As global citizens, we must heed Dr. Mukwege’s plea for immediate measures to curb Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict and pave the way for sustainable peace and development in the Great Lakes region.