Belgium backs US call for action on eastern DR Congo

Belgium has backed a renewed United States call for the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the neutralisation of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), saying both steps are essential for lasting peace.

Foreign minister Maxime Prevot said on X that Belgium “fully subscribes” to the US approach. He stressed that the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and the dismantling of the FDLR should proceed together and without delay.

Prevot also highlighted the urgent need to protect civilians and ensure unhindered humanitarian access, particularly as efforts continue to respond to Ebola outbreaks in the region.

The comments followed new US sanctions against senior commanders of the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group and the FDLR. Washington accused both groups of committing atrocities against civilians and undermining the peace process in eastern DRC.

The US State Department announced sanctions against Gustave Kubwayo, a commander in the FDLR, and John Imani Nzenze, M23’s intelligence chief. The United States warned that additional measures could be taken against any state, individual or group threatening implementation of the Washington Accords and broader peace efforts in the Great Lakes region.

Health concerns have added to the pressure for improved access to conflict-affected areas. In May, the World Health Organisation declared the current outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in DRC and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. The outbreak has caused hundreds of suspected cases and at least 88 deaths.

^{© Jospin Mwisha / AFP}