In bold statement at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi accused Rwanda of harboring “expansionist ambitions” in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and called for international sanctions against Kigali. Tshisekedi’s comments come as tensions escalate in the mineral-rich region, where the M23 armed group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, continues its advance toward South Kivu’s provincial capital, Bukavu.
Tshisekedi pointed to the conflict in the DRC, which has lasted for over three decades, describing it as a “battlefield for the predatory ambitions of some of our neighbors.” He emphasized that Rwanda’s actions are fueled by the desire to seize the DRC’s vast natural resources, including rare earth minerals vital for electronics such as mobile phones and batteries, as well as gold. “We will no longer tolerate our strategic resources being plundered for the benefit of foreign interests under the complicit gaze of those who feed on chaos,” he said.
The DRC government has long accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels to gain access to the country’s wealth, a claim that Kigali has denied. However, Tshisekedi’s remarks highlight the ongoing volatility in the region, where armed groups have exploited the lack of stability for decades. The President also criticized the international community for its failure to take meaningful action in addressing Rwanda’s alleged involvement, calling for more than just “simple words” from global leaders. “We’re demanding decisive action,” Tshisekedi declared, stressing the urgency of the situation.
With the DRC’s rich mineral deposits attracting global interest, the stakes in this conflict are high. As the situation in the region grows more tense, Tshisekedi’s call for sanctions underscores the broader geopolitical struggles playing out in the heart of Africa.
By Kenyans