Government of DRC Calls on Prime Minister Johnson at ‘ Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Rwanda 2022’ to Compel Kagame to End Attacks – African Business

Yesterday, the Government of Democratic Republic of Congo discussed the possibility of suspending all bilateral agreements with Rwanda. This was after an extraordinary meeting of Security Council, which included the Presidents of both the Chambers of Parliament as well as the Heads of National Security.

“M23 terrorists backed by Rwanda have occupied and pillaged the city of Bunagana in the territory of Rutshuru, province of Nord-Kivu, killing young children and forcing hundreds to flee in terror. The security situation in East Rwanda continues to deteriorate. It is fundamentally because Rwanda seeks a monopoly on our land, rich with gold, coltan, and cobalt for their own exploitation. This is an economic war for the battle of resources, fought by Rwanda’s terrorist gangs.” said President Felix Tshisekedi.

President Felix Tshisekedi asked all international leaders for support to the DRC. He also urged Paul Kagame, Rwanda’s leader, to end all violence against Congo and recall the military troops that have invaded eastern Congo and caused death, displacement, and war crimes mainly against women.

“We have the right to demand that our neighbours respect our territory. The people of DRC desire peace and security in their homeland. The brutal attack on our neighbour’s territory in Eastern Congo has left innocents among the Congolese civilians. We ask our international partners in Africa, the US, and especially the UK, to condemn this invasion and to press Rwanda to withdraw its troops. Given the UK’s recent $150 Million immigration deal struck with Rwanda, we hope that Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be able to leverage his influence.”, said President Felix Tshisekedi.

In his opening speech to Congo’s political representatives and civil society on 9 June, King Philippe of Belgium underlined “the preservation of the territorial integrity of the Congo is a major concern” shared by Belgium. Alexander De Croo, the Prime Minister of Belgium, also stated during the Royal visit that “Each country has the right to defend the integrity of its territory” and that Belgium was ready to play a role in bringing stability and peace to Eastern Congo, where attacks from the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, have escalated in recent weeks. In May, the United Nations Security Council demanded that foreign armed groups disarm and return to countries. The African Union calls for dialogue.

The Government of DRC expressed its appreciation for the proposal made yesterday, by President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta to deploy a new regional military force, led by the East African Community, (EAC), in order to maintain peace in the regions targeted by M23/Rwanda. However they insist that Rwanda will not be accepted in this joint force.

Paul Kagame (President of the Republic of Rwanda) will host the CHOGM-2022, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The meeting will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from 20 to 26 June. It has been four years since the bi-annual CHOGM in London and more than a decade since a CHOGM in Africa.

“Next week’s meeting of Commonwealth leaders in Kigali is a prime opportunity for Prime Minister Johnson to lead Rwanda towards the path to peace and stability between neighbours.” urged Prime Minister Sama Lukonde Kyenge.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministère de la Communication et des Médias – République Démocratique du Congo.

Press Contacts :
Anne-Sophie Nzuzi Odia
Email : [email protected]
Tel. +243819649261