DistantNews
🇨🇩 DR Congo /Conflict & Security

Security Council: DRC Reiterates Call for 'Immediate Withdrawal' of Rwandan Army from Congolese Soil

From Radio Okapi · (7h ago) French Critical tone

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The UN Security Council held a special session on the Great Lakes Region, with multiple countries calling for the immediate withdrawal of the M23 and Rwandan army from DRC territory.
  • Rwanda's UN representative denounced hate speech against Rwandophones and cited the continued threat of FDLR rebels in the DRC.
  • The DRC's UN representative dismissed Rwanda's claims as inconsistent and asserted the DRC's capability to ensure its own security.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has once again forcefully articulated its position on the international stage, demanding the unequivocal withdrawal of Rwandan forces and the M23 rebel group from its sovereign territory. During a special session of the UN Security Council concerning the Great Lakes Region, our representative, Zénon Mukongo Ngay, unequivocally rejected Rwanda's justifications for its continued presence and alleged interference.

Radio Okapi, a trusted source for Congolese news, reports that Rwanda's representative, Ernest Rwamucyo, attempted to deflect by decrying 'hate speech' and citing the presence of the FDLR. However, our delegate rightly dismissed these allegations as baseless and inconsistent. The DRC is more than capable of managing its own affairs and ensuring the security of its citizens. As Ambassador Mukongo Ngay powerfully stated, 'For the most part, you do not have the right to come and protect Congolese populations on their territory. The Democratic Republic of Congo is sufficiently equipped to ensure the security of its own populations.'

For the most part, you do not have the right to come and protect Congolese populations on their territory. The Democratic Republic of Congo is sufficiently equipped to ensure the security of its own populations.

— Zénon Mukongo NgayDRC's permanent representative to the UN, asserting the country's capacity to manage its own security and rejecting foreign intervention.

This assertion of sovereignty is crucial. The notion that Rwanda, with its own internal complexities, can dictate security matters within the DRC is preposterous. Our nation, with its rich tapestry of 450 tribes, does not require external 'management,' especially not from a country that struggles to manage its own two tribes. The international community must recognize the DRC's right to self-determination and territorial integrity. The ongoing clashes in the East, fueled by Rwandan support for the M23, are a direct violation of our sovereignty, and we reiterate the call for an immediate ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of all foreign forces.

You have 450 tribes, while yours only has two. You cannot manage them, and you want to manage our 450 tribes? Be modest.

— Zénon Mukongo NgayDRC's permanent representative to the UN, criticizing Rwanda's claims and its own internal tribal dynamics.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Radio Okapi in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog