Ambassador Rwamucyo emphasized that resolving the situation is primarily the DRC's responsibility, stating that it requires ownership and political goodwill from the Congolese leadership rather than a military solution.
'The solution to this problem cannot be outsourced. It requires ownership and political will, and looking at the root causes of the conflict comprehensively and addressing them,' Ambassador Rwamucyo stated.
The meeting focused on the intensifying fight involving the M23 rebels, the Congolese army (FARDC), and allied forces, including FDLR and Burundian soldiers.
Ambassador Rwamucyo criticized the DRC for undermining peace initiatives and prioritizing military action.
'The DRC has all the necessary tools to achieve a lasting resolution to the ongoing conflict,' he said, lamenting that the Congolese government had instead opted for militarization.
He highlighted the deployment of heavy weaponry and additional troops near the Rwandan border, as well as the FARDC's actions that violated a ceasefire agreement.
According to Ambassador Rwamucyo, the international community has failed to address these violations equitably.
'Unfortunately, we regret that the international community chose to condemn the M23 for extending its territories without condemning FARDC's military coalition for violating the ceasefire,' he said.
A central issue raised during the speech was the presence of the FDLR, a genocidal militia responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, which has operated in eastern Congo for decades.
Ambassador Rwamucyo expressed Rwanda's frustration over the DRC's failure to neutralize the group, accusing Kinshasa of forming alliances with the FDLR.
'Today, the FDLR has even moved from being a speculative force to a strategic ally of the Kinshasa government,' he noted, describing the militia's role in destabilizing the region and spreading genocidal ideologies.
He also pointed to MONUSCO's controversial involvement, alleging that the UN mission had exceeded its peacekeeping mandate.
'MONUSCO… has now joined a broader coalition with a clearly stated goal, which is to enact regime change in Rwanda,' Ambassador Rwamucyo said, citing DRC President Félix Tshisekedi's threats to invade Rwanda.
While reiterating Rwanda's commitment to peaceful dialogue, he called for dialogue between the M23 and the Congolese leadership to resolve longstanding issues.
'We strongly believe that there is no military solution to this problem. It has to be resolved politically, diplomatically, and with the support of all partners acting together,' he said.
'Rwanda stands ready to do its part in making sure a practical solution is found that addresses the concerns of all actors involved on an equal footing."
The ambassador's remarks come amid mounting tension in eastern Congo, where the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen. Thousands of civilians have been displaced by the ongoing conflict, with reports of indiscriminate shelling and targeted attacks in populated areas.
Various member countries represented at the gathering also expressed concerns over the prevailing security situation in eastern Congo. M23 fighters have been gaining ground, seizing control of areas including Minova, Masisi, Lumbishi, Numbi, Shanje, and Sake, and threatening to capture Goma, the capital of North Kivu province and home to about two million people.
The group announced on Thursday that its mission is to liberate the Congolese people, particularly Rwandophones, whom the group alleges have faced long-standing persecution.
An intense battle between the coalition forces and M23 has claimed the lives of at least 13 foreign soldiers from MONUSCO and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) over the past three days.
The council members urged M23 to halt its offensive against the coalition forces and called for the resumption of the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes to help facilitate an amicable solution to the crisis.
A Head of State summit, which was scheduled for mid-December in Luanda, was postponed after the talks faltered due to the DRC's refusal to engage directly with M23, despite previous commitments to do so.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
