Belgium urges de-escalation in eastern DRC as EU weighs Rwanda sanctions
Belgian Foreign minister Maxime Prévot has met the prime minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Judith Suminwa, to discuss the escalating conflict in eastern DRC. Prévot said there was "no military solution" and urged diplomatic efforts for peace.
"Diplomatic and political processes must tackle the root causes," Prévot, of Les Engagés, wrote on X. "I reiterated our encouragement to all political players and civil society to work towards national cohesion in order to meet the challenges of the present and build for the future."
On Monday, EU foreign ministers discussed sanctions against Rwanda over its alleged support for the M23 rebels. They reached only a preliminary agreement, with decisions to be taken depending on further developments. Luxembourg was reportedly a key opponent of immediate sanctions, preferring to wait for the outcome of ongoing African-led negotiations in Zimbabwe.
'Unacceptable violation'
On Tuesday, the UK suspended most development aid to Rwanda and imposed diplomatic measures over Kigali's support for the M23 rebels. Calling the rebels' offensives an "unacceptable violation" of DRC's sovereignty, the UK will suspend direct aid but continue to support vulnerable populations, while limiting trade promotion and high-level engagement with Rwanda.
Meanwhile, the US has sanctioned James Kabarebe, a top military adviser to Rwandan president Paul Kagame, for backing the M23 rebellion.
Despite mounting evidence from UN experts, Rwanda denies supporting the M23 and claims its military actions are targeting hostile Congolese groups. As tensions rise, international pressure on Kigali continues to mount.
A member of the M23 movement monitors the area as Congolese police officers stand in formation during an enrolment of civilians, police officers and former members of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo who allegedly decided to voluntarily join the M23 movement, in Bukavu © PHOTO LUIS TATO / AFP
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