EU demands Rwanda withdraw troops from DRC amid escalating conflict

EU demands Rwanda withdraw troops from DRC amid escalating conflict! The European Union (EU) has officially summoned Rwanda’s ambassador to demand the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and an end to its alleged support for the M23 armed group.

This move comes as the M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, continue to seize large swathes of eastern DRC, including key cities like Goma and Bukavu, while facing limited resistance from Congolese forces.

EU Summons Rwandan Ambassador

On Friday, the EU issued a strongly worded statement condemning Rwanda’s role in the conflict.

“The European Union has today summoned the ambassador of Rwanda to the EU due to the ongoing offensive of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and M23 in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),” the statement read.

The EU further demanded that Rwanda immediately withdraw all RDF troops from Congolese territory and cease support for the M23 rebels or any other armed groups operating in the region.

United Nations: Rwanda Controls M23

The United Nations (UN) has been closely monitoring the situation and accuses Rwanda of effectively controlling the M23. UN reports estimate that at least 4,000 Rwandan troops are currently fighting alongside the rebel group in DRC.

Despite these accusations, Rwanda has consistently denied any involvement, claiming that it is merely protecting its borders from ethnic Hutu fighters operating within Congolese territory.

Global Response: Sanctions and Diplomatic Pressure

The EU’s diplomatic pressure follows Germany’s decision on Thursday to summon the Rwandan ambassador in Berlin over the escalating crisis.

Additionally, the United States recently imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s Minister for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, further isolating the Paul Kagame-led administration.

Now, the EU’s 27 member states are considering their own set of sanctions against Rwanda.

Possible EU Sanctions Against Rwanda

Belgium is leading the push for targeted sanctions, which could include:

• Blocking a minerals deal between Rwanda and the EU
• Suspending development aid and funding to Rwanda
• Sanctioning Rwandan officials involved in the conflict
• Halting EU support for Rwanda’s peacekeeping missions in Mozambique

EU foreign ministers are scheduled to meet on Monday in Brussels to discuss the potential sanctions and further actions to address the escalating crisis.

Rising Fears of Another Congo War

The latest wave of fighting in the eastern DRC has raised concerns of a repeat of the Second Congo War (1998-2003).

That war, often referred to as “Africa’s World War,” drew in multiple African nations, including Rwanda, Uganda, Angola, and Zimbabwe. It resulted in the deaths of millions of people, not just from direct conflict, but also from disease and starvation caused by the destruction of infrastructure and displacement of civilians.

With the current situation escalating, regional stability is at risk, and international intervention may be necessary to prevent another full-scale war.

What’s Next?

With international pressure mounting, it remains to be seen whether Rwanda will comply with EU demands and withdraw its forces from DRC territory.

The EU’s foreign ministers’ meeting on Monday will likely determine the next steps, including whether sanctions will be imposed on Rwanda.

Meanwhile, the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate, with millions of Congolese civilians caught in the crossfire as M23 rebels expand their control over resource-rich regions.

The international community is now at a critical juncture, and how it chooses to respond could shape the future of the Great Lakes region for years to come.

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