Kinshasa demands withdrawal of Rwandan forces from DRC
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Le Potentiel
The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo welcomes US sanctions targeting Rwanda’s Defence Ministry and Zigama Credit and Savings Society, accused of supporting AFC/M23. Kinshasa is demanding the complete and unconditional withdrawal of Rwandan forces, according to a statement issued on 29 October by the Congolese Foreign Ministry.
The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is demanding the complete and unconditional withdrawal of Rwandan forces from its territory. Kinshasa made the demand on Thursday 29 October while welcoming US sanctions targeting Rwanda’s Defence Ministry and Zigama Credit and Savings Society, accused of providing military and financial support to AFC/M23, according to a statement from the Congolese Foreign Ministry.
Congolese authorities believe the measures announced on 28 October by the US Treasury Department align with the conclusions of the United Nations Group of Experts on the DRC. They accuse Kigali of continuing to arm and finance the M23, and of conducting operations with associated groups that, according to Kinshasa, are responsible for deaths, sexual violence and the looting of natural resources in the east of the country.
The Congolese government nevertheless considers the international response to the role it attributes to Rwanda in the conflict insufficient. It is calling for increased pressure to halt operations undermining Congolese sovereignty and the security of civilian populations.
The demand for a withdrawal follows Kinshasa’s description on 26 October of the Rwanda-AFC-M23 alliance as an external force. It also follows the US sanctions targeting Kigali, announced on 28 October.
