Kinshasa, DR Congo – The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is throwing a wrench into plans for a UN peacekeeping withdrawal from the violence-wracked North Kivu province. Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner told Reuters on Saturday that the pullout, initially agreed upon, will be delayed as long as Rwandan troops remain in the region.
North Kivu has been battling a brutal two-year insurgency waged by the M23 militia, allegedly backed by Rwanda. This week, a UN report added fuel to the fire, claiming 3,000-4,000 Rwandan soldiers are actively fighting alongside the M23, effectively controlling their operations. Rwanda has consistently denied these accusations from both the DRC and Western powers.
While the Congolese government previously signaled its intent to see the UN mission leave, Wagner emphasized the need for a phased and secure withdrawal. “The current situation with Rwandan troops and Rwandan aggression makes it very difficult to even consider such a move right now,” she explained. “We’ll wait for the situation to evolve before starting this process.”
This delay complicates the planned exit of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). Launched in 2010, MONUSCO currently deploys roughly 10,800 troops. A first phase saw them depart from South Kivu province in June. A full withdrawal would significantly impact security arrangements in the mineral-rich eastern DRC, where numerous armed groups vie for control of resources and territory.
Beyond the immediate security concerns, Wagner expressed hope that the DRC’s efforts to raise awareness of Rwanda’s alleged involvement in the M23 conflict would lead to targeted sanctions. “The international community is becoming increasingly aware that Rwanda plays a double game,” she stated. “Peacekeeper in some regions, warmonger in the Great Lakes.”
Wagner went on to clarify her stance on sanctions, emphasizing accountability for leadership decisions. “It’s not about ordinary people, it’s about those in power who need to be held responsible,” she said.
The ongoing conflict in North Kivu has displaced over 1.7 million people, pushing the total number of internally displaced Congolese to a staggering 7.2 million, according to UN estimates.
