In a statement, RCSP chairperson Theoneste Murangira expressed deep concern over the worsening security and humanitarian situation in South and North Kivu, warning that tensions between the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi risk further destabilizing the Great Lakes region.
The apex civil society body emphasized that punitive measures against Rwanda could exacerbate the crisis and hinder ongoing mediation efforts led by African regional blocs.
In recent weeks, the international community has imposed a series of sanctions targeting Rwanda. The United States sanctioned the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation General (Rtd) James Kabarebe.
The European Union (EU) suspended defense consultations and announced a review of its Memorandum of Understanding on Sustainable Raw Materials Value Chains with Rwanda. The United Kingdom halted direct financial aid, except for humanitarian assistance, while Germany and Canada imposed similar punitive measures.
RCSP argued that such actions undermine the principle of collective action, which is crucial for effective conflict resolution, and called on global leaders to adopt a humanitarian, peace, and development lens when addressing the crisis.
'Sanctions could complicate mediation by fostering exclusion, emboldening non-sanctioned parties, and undermining the impartiality of mediators,' the RCSP stated, citing research that suggests sanctions rarely incentivize cooperation or break negotiation deadlocks.
'Instead, they can exacerbate conflicts by strengthening hardliners and prolonging crises.'
The conflict in eastern DRC has intensified since late January 2025, when the M23 rebel group advanced into Goma and other strategic towns after overwhelming the Congolese army and its coalition forces.
The worsening situation prompted urgent interventions from regional bodies, including the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the East African Community (EAC), which have been calling for dialogue to resolve the conflict between M23 and Kinshasa through diplomatic means.
The RCSP highlighted that the humanitarian toll continues to mount, with essential infrastructure destroyed and communities facing acute humanitarian needs. It called for unfettered access to humanitarian aid and the restoration of critical services to alleviate the suffering of affected populations.
RCSP urged regional leaders to focus on a structured and inclusive peace process that addresses the root causes of the conflict. It warned that a ceasefire alone is insufficient without tackling the underlying grievances of all parties involved.
"Ignoring these issues risks future conflict outbreaks with even more devastating consequences," RCSP cautioned, while encouraging the active involvement of civil society, grassroots communities, women, and youth in peace negotiations.
RCSP also urged all stakeholders to prioritize humanitarian assistance and civilian protection while calling on the UN Security Council to pressure the DRC and other actors to commit to long-term, inclusive peace solutions.
"The DRC crisis is not merely a national emergency but a regional crisis with spill-over effects that require bold, coordinated, and inclusive action," the platform stressed.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
