During an urgent session of the United Nations Security Council addressing the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, State Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, made a compelling plea for swift action against what she described as “systematic and coordinated aggression” by Rwanda and its M23 allies. Since January 6th, the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) and the M23 have escalated their offensives, seizing strategic locations like Katale, Masisi-Centre, and Minova, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian crisis. Minister Wagner warned of Rwanda’s preparations for an open massacre, denouncing destabilizing acts targeting civilians, resource plundering, and attacks on UN peacekeepers.
Targeting Infrastructure and Civilians
Goma, a key city, is now under pressure with water and electricity cuts, blocked roads, and the use of GPS jammers endangering civilian and humanitarian flights. A rocket struck a Médecins Sans Frontières hospital in Masisi-Centre on January 19th, injuring two aid workers, in blatant violations of international law.
Denouncing Economic Plunder
Minister Wagner highlighted the massive coltan plunder, with over 150 tons illegally extracted each month under the control of RDF and the M23. She accused these forces of establishing a parallel administration in mining zones to fund their military activities.
DRC’s Demands to the Security Council
Kinshasa has urged the Security Council to:
– Demand the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory.
– Impose targeted sanctions against implicated Rwandan officials.
– Enforce an embargo on minerals labeled as Rwandan.
– Revoke Rwanda’s status as a contributor of troops to UN peacekeeping missions.
– Implement strict monitoring of arms transfers to Kigali.
An Appeal for International Support
Minister Wagner also called on the international community to support the Luanda process, cautioning that Rwanda’s intransigence has undermined peace efforts. She emphasized that every minute of inaction by the Security Council is a victory for the aggressor, urging concrete measures to restore peace and security in the region.