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US Accuses Rwanda: How It's Fueling Congo's Deadly Conflict

The US has publicly accused Rwanda of fueling instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ambassador Mike Waltz told the UN Security Council that Rwanda is leading the region toward war. This comes as the M23 rebel group, which the UN says is backed by Rwanda, continues its offensive. Hundreds of civilians have been killed despite a recent US-brokered peace deal.

Key Points: US Envoy Accuses Rwanda of Fueling DRC Instability at UN

  • US envoy Mike Waltz directly accused Rwanda of fueling war in eastern DRC at the UN Security Council
  • The UN says the M23 militia is backed by Rwanda, a claim Kigali consistently denies
  • Over 400 civilians have been killed in South Kivu since the M23 offensive escalated
  • A recent US-brokered peace deal aimed at ending Rwanda's involvement has had little effect on the ground
2 min read

US accuses Rwanda of fuelling instability in DRC at UN

US Ambassador Mike Waltz tells the UN Security Council that Rwanda is leading the region toward war, as M23 rebel violence claims hundreds of lives.

"Rwanda is leading the region towards increased instability and war. - US Ambassador Mike Waltz"

Kinshasa, December 13

US envoy to the UN, Mike Waltz, accused Rwanda of fueling instability and war in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

"Rwanda is leading the region towards increased instability and war," US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz told the UN Security Council. "We will use the tools at our disposal to hold to account spoilers to peace."

The UN and the Security Council have repeatedly described the majority-Tutsi M23 militia as backed by Rwanda - a claim Kigali has repeatedly denied.

Fighting and insecurity continue in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, amid rising diplomatic anger over the latest offensive by the M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda.

According to regional officials, more than 400 civilians have been killed in South Kivu Province since the rebel group escalated its offensive and entered the strategic city of Uvira, France 24 reported.

A peace deal brokered by the US last week was intended to end Rwanda's involvement in the conflict; however, it has had little effect on the ground.

The UK has announced that it will impose sanctions on senior commanders of the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces for their alleged involvement in "heinous violence" in the Darfur region. This announcement comes amid significant resource shortages due to funding cuts, as reported by several humanitarian organisations, including the UN World Food Programme.

On Friday, the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly concluded with Kenyan President William Ruto calling for a green, inclusive economic transformation. Delegates from over 170 countries gathered in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, for four days to discuss and deliver so-called 'real-world solutions to real-world problems' caused by the worsening climate crisis, as per France 24.

The Kenyan president stressed that Africa, one of the world's least polluting continents, was already bearing the brunt of the crisis, and that economic growth must go hand in hand with green initiatives.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So sad to read about the 400+ civilians killed. 😔 When will this violence end? The international community needs to do more than just talk. The peace deal clearly isn't working. Humanitarian aid is crucial right now.
R
Rohit P
Interesting to see the US taking such a strong stance. But where was this urgency for accountability in other conflicts? Feels selective. Also, the article jumps from DRC to Sudan to climate change – a bit all over the place.
S
Sarah B
President Ruto's point about Africa bearing the brunt of the climate crisis is so true. These conflicts are also worsened by resource scarcity. The world needs a holistic approach - peace, development, and climate action must be linked.
V
Vikram M
As an Indian, I see parallels with how external interference can destabilize a region. Lasting peace will only come when regional powers like the African Union lead the process, not when solutions are dictated from New York or Washington.
K
Karthik V
The UN seems to be all talk and no action. They "describe" the situation, they "broker" deals that fail, and people continue to suffer. The funding cuts for humanitarian work mentioned are the real scandal. Where are the priorities?

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