The Democratic Republic of Congo called Tuesday for immediate action by the UN Security Council to address an escalating crisis in the country, warning that if it fails to do so, “then it is the street that is going to take charge.”
Emphasizing that all necessary measures had been taken to protect diplomatic missions in the country, Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner told the Security Council that “the victims are nothing less than the result of criminal acts that constitute crimes against humanity and war crimes perpetrated by the RDF (Rwandan forces) in complete impunity and with the silence of this Council.”
Wagner said her country is “trapped” and noted that in just the last 24 hours, over 100 people had been sent to health centers, more than 500,000 had been displaced, and the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate.
“What more will Rwanda do to continue to abuse your respect and your authority? What international instrument must it violate for the Council to finally take necessary measures against Kigali from the UN Charter to international humanitarian law to human rights and also the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes?” she said.
She stressed that the lives of civilians, deprived of basic necessities for four days, depended on the decisions the Security Council would take today and urged it to be “courageous.”
Wagner further urged the Council to “take strong actions” against Rwanda over alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes.
“Everybody has come to see what you’re going to do. What is the degree of humanitarian disaster and flagrant violations of our territory that needs to be achieved for you to condemn the perpetrators in the M23, the Rwandan officers and their accomplices?” she said, adding “if this Council does not condemn, this will go down in history as a time of powerlessness and indifference of the Security Council.”
Drawing attention to the fact that the Democratic Republic of Congo is an African country under attack, she said that “allowing this crisis to continue by stating that it’s an African problem that requires an African solution betrays the spirit of international solidarity.”
She called for a “collective” responsibility and listed five urgent demands including the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops, targeted sanctions against the RDF chain of command, a natural resource embargo, Rwanda’s removal as a UN troop contributor, and transparency on arms transfers.
“We’re here because the world needs to resolve its differences and face its challenges. If the Council fails, then it is the street that is going to take charge,” she said.
On Monday, M23 rebels, who are allegedly backed by Rwanda, claimed to have taken control of eastern Goma city, while Kinshasa claimed that Rwandan forces were present.
At least 25 people have been killed in Goma and nine in Rwanda. Hundreds have been injured in the ongoing clashes between the Congolese army and rebels.
Locals say both government forces and rebels control parts of the city of 3 million people, including internally displaced persons.
