PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday urged Rwanda to end its support for the M23 rebels operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and to withdraw its troops from Congolese territory.
Macron made these remarks during a joint press conference with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi in Paris, emphasizing France’s unwavering commitment to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the DRC.
Macron highlighted the importance of upholding territorial integrity not only in Europe but also on the African continent, particularly in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “We argue for territorial integrity on the African continent as well” as in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Macron said. He underscored France’s stance on the issue, stating that Rwanda must halt its support for the M23 rebels and remove its forces from Congolese soil.
Expressing France’s firm position, Macron announced his intention to hold talks with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in the coming days to address the matter.
President Tshisekedi welcomed France’s strong support for the Congolese people, viewing it as a testament to the enduring partnership between the two nations. He affirmed the DRC’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity and expressed openness to dialogue with Rwanda once its troops have been withdrawn from Congolese territory.
Macron also acknowledged the DRC’s efforts to address the activities of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed ethnic Hutu group operating in eastern Congo for three decades.
The resurgence of the M23 rebellion in late 2021 has led to renewed instability in North Kivu province, resulting in the displacement of tens of thousands of people. While the DRC, the United Nations, and Western countries have accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, Rwanda’s President Kagame has denied these allegations, attributing the conflict to the DRC’s support for the FDLR.
