Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi called Wednesday for sanctions against Rwanda over its alleged support for rebels in the turbulent east of his country.
“The resurgence of the M23 terrorist group, backed by Rwanda, has triggered an unprecedented humanitarian crisis,” Tshisekedi told the UN General Assembly.
“This aggression constitutes a major violation of our national sovereignty. We call on the international community to firmly condemn these actions and to impose targeted sanctions against Rwanda for its destabilizing role,” he said.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Rwandan troops from our territory.”
The mineral-rich east of the Democratic Republic of Congo has witnessed bursts of violence for decades, and Rwanda has voiced alarm over the presence of Hutu fighters linked to the 1994 genocide against Rwanda’s Tutsis.
The United States and France have backed allegations by the DRC of Rwandan meddling to support the M23, who are primarily Tutsis. The Kigali government denies military involvement.
The UN Security Council recently called for an end to foreign support for the M23 rebels, without naming Rwanda.
Tshisekedi also voiced concern about groups such as Islamic State in Africa.
“The terrorism that has ravaged our country is closely linked to the plundering and illegal exploitation of our natural resources,” he said.
“These criminal activities increase insecurity and finance armed groups, aggravating conflicts in the Great Lakes region,” he said.
“It is imperative that the United Nations consider severe sanctions against actors responsible for economic crimes so as to break the vicious cycle.”
