On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ernest Rwamucyo, addressed the UN Security Council during a meeting focused on the ongoing situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Rwamucyo emphasized that Rwanda would continue to strengthen its security in response to rising threats from neighboring DRC.
“We have no choice but to enhance our security, and we will continue to do so,” Ambassador Rwamucyo stated firmly.
He expressed concern over the presence of foreign troops near Rwanda’s borders, including Burundian soldiers with similar ideologies to the FDLR rebel group and European mercenaries. He stressed that these foreign forces were posing a threat to Rwanda’s safety.
Ambassador Rwamucyo also pointed out that the government of DRC, under President Félix Tshisekedi, continues to seek military support from other African nations. He called for the removal of all foreign troops from DRC, arguing that their presence was destabilizing the region and jeopardizing Rwanda’s security.
While African leaders have proposed a roadmap for peace in eastern DRC, Ambassador Rwamucyo criticized the DRC government for failing to follow through on these plans. He recalled that on February 8, 2025, leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) met in Tanzania and made important decisions to halt fighting, continue humanitarian aid, and engage in dialogue with groups like M23.
However, Ambassador Rwamucyo noted that the DRC government had ignored these recommendations and instead continued to seek Western sanctions against Rwanda.
He also highlighted that President Tshisekedi chose not to attend a crucial African Union summit on February 15, 2025, where leaders were discussing solutions for eastern DRC’s security. Instead, he attended a security conference in Munich, Germany, where he continued to call for sanctions against Rwanda.
Ambassador Rwamucyo further explained that DRC’s government has been arming local militias like Wazalendo, who have been committing violence against civilians. He warned that distributing weapons without control has led to chaos and intensified conflict in the region.
Despite these challenges, Ambassador Rwamucyo reassured the UN that Rwanda would continue to provide refuge to those fleeing the violence, although he noted that many refugees are being targeted by militias supported by the DRC government. He emphasized that groups like M23 are fighting for their rights as they were forced to flee atrocities committed by DRC-backed militias.
He also addressed the issue of economic instability in the DRC, noting that Rwanda does not bear the responsibility for the financial problems caused by corruption and poor governance in DRC. He highlighted that Rwanda supports legal and ethical mining practices, unlike the illegal activities that have contributed to regional instability.
Ambassador Rwamucyo reiterated Rwanda’s support for peace initiatives and called for the disbanding of the FDLR rebel group, which continues to operate with the support of the DRC government. He emphasized that this group poses a direct threat to Rwanda’s security
He urged the UN Security Council to back the peace decisions made by African leaders, particularly the EAC, SADC, and the African Union, which he believes offer the best chance for lasting peace in eastern DRC.
As tensions continue in the region, Rwanda remains committed to its security and the well-being of those affected by the ongoing conflict.
