US Urges Rwanda and Congo to De-escalate, Avoid Brink of War
The United States issued a stark warning to Rwanda and Congo, stating that they “must walk back from the brink of war,” during an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council. The meeting was called by France as violence escalated in Congo’s mineral-rich east, bordering Rwanda. U.S. deputy ambassador Robert Wood urged both nations to resume diplomatic talks immediately, emphasizing that diplomatic efforts, not military conflict, are the only path towards a negotiated solution and sustainable peace.
This warning follows the rejection by Rwanda’s Foreign Ministry of U.S. calls for the withdrawal of its troops and surface-to-air missile systems from eastern Congo. The U.S. State Department had also criticized the worsening violence caused by the M23 armed group, allegedly backed by Rwanda.
Rwanda contends that its troops are defending Rwandan territory due to Congo’s “dramatic military build-up” near the border. The presence of the rebel group, FDLR, in Congo, including alleged perpetrators of the 1994 genocide, has raised concerns about Rwandan national security. Congo accuses Rwanda of supporting M23 and illegally occupying part of the eastern province of North Kivu.
During the Security Council meeting, Congo urged Rwanda to withdraw its troops without pre-conditions and halt support for M23. Rwanda’s U.N. Ambassador warned of a serious catastrophe in the region and accused the Congolese army of integrating the “genocidal FDLR.” He emphasized the need to end Congo’s support for FDLR, ensuring its demobilization and repatriation to Rwanda.
Fighting near Goma, the largest city in the region, intensified, leading to a humanitarian crisis with millions facing displacement, human rights abuses, and gender-based violence. The situation in eastern Congo, already one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, raises concerns about being overshadowed by other global conflicts.
The U.S. urged M23 to halt attacks and withdraw and called on Rwanda to end its support for the armed group, withdrawing forces and missile systems from Congo. The international community is urged to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions and address the grave humanitarian crisis in the region.
