On December 20, 2024, the UN Security Council adopted a new resolution on the mandate of MONUSCO, the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. If Kinshasa hoped for an explicit condemnation of Rwanda for its alleged role in the crisis in eastern DRC, the adopted text remains cautious, speaking of “ external forces » without directly mentioning Kigali. A position which does not convince Kinshasa, with a feeling of semi-failure on the Congolese side.
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With our correspondent in Kinshasa, Patient Ligodi
The resolution mentions “ operational support provided to M23 by external forces of a neighboring state », a formulation considered too vague by Kinshasa, which expected an explicit condemnation of the Rwanda.
This frustration is also shared by Washington. The United States expressed its “ very big disappointment » faced with the absence of direct mention of Rwanda, despite the elements contained in the report of the United Nations Group of Experts United. The American representative denounced “ the use of euphemisms », believing that this weakens not only the action of MONUSCO, but also humanitarian efforts in the region.
However, a few points mark progress for Congolese diplomacy. The M23, which says it is not concerned by the ceasefire signed between Kinshasa and Kigali in Luanda, is required, in the resolution, to respect this agreement.
The Security Council also implicitly recognizes the presence of Rwandan forces on Congolese soil. The resolution states that “ the unauthorized presence of external forces in eastern DRC », described as incompatible with Congolese sovereignty, and demands their immediate withdrawal.
Another point of concern raised concerns the deployment of sophisticated weapons, including surface-to-air missiles, by a neighboring state, as well as GPS jamming in areas controlled by the M23. These practices, documented in the report by UN experts, disrupt MONUSCO operations, endanger the security of peacekeeping forces and civilians, and complicate humanitarian efforts. These observations directly point to Kigali in these reports which have been disputed by Kigali.
Finally, the resolution condemns any support for the FDLR while calling for their immediate disarmament.
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