Rwanda urges UNSC to stop SADC mission support in Congo

Rwanda urges the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to stop supporting the SADC (Southern African Development Community) Mission in Congo. Rwanda has written a letter to the UNSC that any support for the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC) could start a regional conflict.

According to the letter, the possible solution to the crisis in the eastern Congo is a peaceful one. However, the Congo states it will only negotiate with Rwanda if the rebel M23 group is removed from its territory.

Rwanda has written to the United Nations Security Council, warning the international body that it could spark a regional war if it provides any support to the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. | @CdeLENIN https://t.co/Qh5joCrPrN
— News24 🇿🇦 (@News24) February 17, 2024

It came because Rwanda may face a retaliatory coalition led by South Africa in a regional war. The coalition alliance includes the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, and Tanzania, collectively known as SAMIDRC. Troops from these coalitional countries have been working with SADC to expel M23 rebels from Congo.

The SAMIDRC is in Congo to combat M23 rebels in DRC. The UN and various human rights organizations have linked M23 rebels to Rwanda. However, Rwanda rejects this link and urges UNSC to stop supporting the SADC mission in DRC.

Brundi, which has partnered with the DRC, could also participate in the coalition fight against Rwanda. This is because Rwanda is accused of helping RED Tabara rebels in launching an attack on Burundi from the eastern DRC.

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However, the foreign affairs minister of Rwanda, Vincent Biruta, wrote a letter to UNSC President Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. He claimed it was wrong that the international body was considering helping DRC allies. They had announced their goal to destabilize Rwanda.

Vincent also mentioned in the letter that SAMIDRC was not neutral regarding this issue. Hence, he urged the UNSC not to back the FARDC-led alliance. FARD refers to the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Rwanda government would like to recommend that the UN Security Council avoid conflict in the eastern DRC by not reviewing the request for logistical and operational help from the SADC Mission. It could lead to further regional conflict.