The European Union has summoned the Rwandan ambassador to the EU due to the escalating offensive by the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) and the M23 rebellion in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. In a statement, the EU strongly condemns this military advance, labeling it a “violation of the ceasefire decided under the auspices of the Luanda process” and a “continuing encroachment on the territorial integrity of the DRC.” Brussels demands the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory and an end to support for the M23 and any other armed groups active in the region.
“Today’s action underscores our intention to hold key officials and leaders accountable, like Kabarebe and Kanyuka, who enable the destabilizing activities of the RDF and M23 in eastern DRC,” said Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. The United States has imposed sanctions against retired Rwandan general James Kabarebe, Rwandan Minister of State for Regional Integration, and Lawrence Kanyuka, M23 spokesperson, for their roles in the destabilizing activities of the M23 and RDF in the DRC.
During a session of the UN Security Council on the crisis in the DRC, Congolese Foreign Minister Thérèse Wagner demanded sanctions against the Rwandan government and officers involved in the ongoing instability in eastern Congo. The United States, supporting these sanctions, has denounced the repeated ceasefire violations by the M23 and Rwanda.
As pressure mounts on Kigali internationally, the situation on the ground in the DRC remains critical, with new clashes reported in various areas of South Kivu and North Kivu.
Expert Insights on the Conflict
The involvement of General James Kabarebe in the M23 war was previously highlighted in a June 2023 report by the United Nations Group of Experts. According to the report, based on testimonies from intelligence agents, a Rwandan officer, three researchers, and several foreign intelligence services, military operations carried out by the M23 in North Kivu were “designed and coordinated” by Kabarebe, then an advisor to Rwandan President Paul Kagame on defense and security.
The report also mentioned several senior Rwandan officers who worked in a coordinated manner to take control of territories in the DRC, including Generals Jean Bosco Kazura, Mubarakh Muganga, Franck Mugambage, Vincent Nyakarundi, Ruki Karusisi, Eric Murokore, and Brigadier General Rugumyangabo Gacinya.
Global Response and Call for Action
The United States has consistently observed Rwanda and the M23 disregard ceasefires and seize territories under false pretenses. The US has condemned the M23’s capture of Kavumu airport and the city of Bukavu, alongside Rwandan forces. The international community continues to call on the M23 to halt its offensive and withdraw from the territories it controls.
In the midst of these developments, the US has expressed its support for targeted sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, against the command structure of the Rwandan Defense Forces and political decision-makers responsible for the aggression, even those claiming ignorance of the whereabouts of their own troops.
The European Union is urging Rwanda and all involved parties to immediately cease hostilities and return to the negotiating table, while reaffirming its support for African-led efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
As the situation in the DRC remains fluid, with tensions running high and violence escalating, the international community is closely monitoring the developments in the region. The need for a swift and peaceful resolution to the conflict is paramount to prevent further loss of life and destabilization in the already fragile region.