The United States has demanded Rwanda’s withdrawal from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) territory amidst recent conflicts. "We affirm our strong support for the Congolese people and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC and urge Rwanda to do the same," stated Ambassador Dorothy Shea, acting U.S. charge d'affaires at the United Nations, during a Security Council briefing on January 28, 2025.

On the same day, Marco Rubio, the new foreign minister in President Donald Trump's administration, called Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, claiming he was confused over the escalating situation in eastern DRC. The region is under attack by M23 rebels, whom Rwanda supposedly backs.

Besides the US, during a meeting in Brussels, European Union foreign ministers called on Rwanda to withdraw its troops from Congolese territory and stop supporting the M23, as articulated by Kaja Kallas, head of EU diplomacy.

These diplomatic reactions come amid growing unrest in several towns across the DRC, where protests have sometimes turned violent. In Kinshasa, demonstrators have vandalized diplomatic missions and looted foreign-owned properties. Some citizens accuse targeted countries of complicity or inaction regarding the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC.

While acknowledging the "cry of anger and exasperation" from the public, the Congolese government condemned violent protesting "in all forms" and expressed regret to those affected. However, Congolese Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner emphasized that mere rhetoric is insufficient. "Rwanda has proved that your declarations do not matter to it," she said during another UN Security Council meeting on January 28. Since an emergency session on January 26, DRC officials have been calling for sanctions against Rwanda.

On the conflict front, the UN reports that "M23 rebels and the Rwandan army are gradually taking possession of Goma." In response to this situation, the DRC appointed Évariste Somo Kakule as military governor for North Kivu on January 28. Promoted to major-general, Kakule previously led the 31st Rapid Reaction Brigade based in Kindu, Maniema province. He replaces Major General Peter Cirimwami, who was killed during fighting in Saké on January 23.

Georges Auréole Bamba