Recent international statements regarding the presence of Rwandan military forces on Congolese soil have triggered a firm response from Léonard She Okitundu, a national deputy and former Vice-Prime Minister of Foreign Affairs, and his political party, the Parti social-démocrate vert (PSDV). The discourse centers on contrasting positions held by United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot concerning the security crisis in the eastern regions of the RDC.
Support for the American position
The PSDV and its leadership view the growing international focus on the security and humanitarian disasters in North Kivu and South Kivu as a vital step toward a lasting resolution. This diplomatic shift is seen as a recognition of the severe challenges facing the Congolese people. Specifically, She Okitundu has voiced strong approval for the stance taken by Marco Rubio. By establishing a clear timeline for the departure of Rwandan forces, the United States has sent a powerful message regarding the sovereignty of the RDC and the necessity of regional stability.
Rejection of Belgian conditionalities
In contrast, the Congolese political group has expressed sharp disapproval of the approach suggested by the Belgian Foreign Minister, Maxime Prévot. The Belgian diplomat proposed that the withdrawal of Rwandan troops should occur simultaneously with the neutralization of the FDLR. Léonard She Okitundu and the PSDV argue that such a condition serves as a convenient excuse for Rwanda to delay its obligations.
They emphasize that Resolution 2773 of the United Nations Security Council remains the definitive legal framework, as it mandates the immediate and unconditional exit of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory. For the PSDV, adhering to this resolution is the only viable path to de-escalating the ongoing conflict.
A call for continued diplomatic pressure
With violence and mass displacement continuing to plague the eastern provinces, the PSDV is urging both local and global actors to maintain rigorous diplomatic pressure. The goal is to ensure that international commitments are honored and that peace is restored through the lens of international law and regional cooperation. The party remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the territorial integrity of the RDC.
