The United States has made a formal request for Rwanda to withdraw all its troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and cease any support for the M23 rebel group, which has been at the heart of escalating tensions in eastern DRC. US special envoy to Africa, Massad Boulos, issued the demand during an online press conference on Thursday after holding discussions with leaders from both Rwanda and DRC earlier this month.
The M23 armed group has advanced significantly in recent months, seizing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu in eastern DRC. The international community, including the United Nations, has accused Rwanda of backing the group militarily, a claim Kigali vehemently denies. Boulos called for Rwanda to end its military support for M23 and to ensure that all its forces are withdrawn from DRC territory.
“This conflict must be resolved through dialogue,” Boulos emphasized, urging the M23 to lay down its arms. His remarks are part of broader international efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. The situation in DRC has worsened over the past year, with violence resulting in the deaths of thousands and displacing tens of thousands more. Refugees have fled across borders to neighboring countries, creating a humanitarian crisis.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, which has been simmering for decades, has escalated due to the M23’s territorial advances, sparking further concerns over regional stability. The group’s continued control of strategic locations like Goma and Bukavu has heightened the urgency for a resolution. The United Nations and various international stakeholders continue to call for a ceasefire and dialogue between the conflicting parties.
Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict remains a contentious issue, with the DRC accusing Kigali of destabilizing the region, while Rwanda insists it is simply acting in self-defense against armed groups operating along its border. As the humanitarian toll mounts, the need for diplomatic intervention becomes increasingly critical.
