The United States has issued a stern warning to Rwandan and Congolese officials, indicating potential sanctions ahead of an upcoming summit aimed at addressing the intensifying conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This information was revealed in a diplomatic note obtained by Vivid Voice News on Friday.
The ongoing turmoil in eastern DRC has seen a dangerous escalation of tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali, with both sides accusing each other of fueling the violence.
The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, has recently captured Goma, the regional capital, and continues to advance into further Congolese territory.
In a diplomatic note addressed to Kenya, the current chair of the East African Community (EAC) and mediator in the crisis, the US government emphasized that regional stability hinges on the complete withdrawal of Rwandan military forces and advanced weaponry from Congolese soil.
“As we make these demands of both parties, we will consider sanctions against the non-cooperators, including military and government officials in both governments,” the note said.
A critical summit of Eastern and Southern African leaders commenced on Friday in Tanzania, potentially bringing together Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Congo, along with the United Nations and Western allies, accuses Rwanda of providing arms and support to the M23 rebel group, allegations that Rwanda consistently denies.
Also Read: Rwanda’s Kagame warns South Africa’s Ramaphosa over DR Congo intervention
In July, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on the Congo River Alliance, a coalition of rebel groups that includes the M23.
Following their capture of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, last week, the M23 rebel group further advanced on Wednesday, seizing another mining town and moving closer to Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. This offensive occurred despite a previously declared unilateral ceasefire.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs released an estimate on Wednesday, indicating that at least 2,800 individuals had lost their lives in the recent fighting around Goma.
Furthermore, during an emergency session of the U.N. Human Rights Council on Friday, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed deep concern, anticipating a surge in sexual violence within the region, including instances of rape and sexual slavery.
