Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Tshisekedi said Rwanda is continuing to support the M23 rebel group despite formally agreeing to withdraw its forces from Congolese territory.

“Rwanda pretends to have withdrawn its troops but in reality, Rwanda troops continue to be present on Congolese soil and to support the M23,” President Felix Tshisekedi said, referring to a Rwandan-backed armed group that made rapid gains in the eastern DRC.

Tshisekedi also hinted at stronger security cooperation with the United States, potentially linked to ensuring a stable supply of critical minerals such as cobalt, which is vital for electronic devices and electric vehicle batteries.

Eastern DRC, rich in natural resources and bordering Rwanda, has endured decades of violence fueled by dozens of non-state armed groups. The M23 insurgency, which reignited in late 2021, has seen the group seize large areas in the east with alleged Rwandan support, displacing hundreds of thousands and deepening an already dire humanitarian crisis.

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The international community continues to express concern over the deteriorating situation, with calls for both regional cooperation and accountability for armed groups operating in the volatile region.

Source: Channels