General News
04/09/2024
In 2022, the citizens of Congo voiced their discontent towards the East Africa Community peacekeeping force stationed in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo for their apparent ineffectiveness in combating the M23 terrorist insurgency originating from neighbouring Rwanda and Uganda. These frustrations have, on occasion, escalated to riots and violent clashes against the peacekeeping personnel. Furthermore, it has been reported that certain countries within this particular military unit have been unlawfully exploiting the natural resources of the Democratic Republic of Congo and extermination of civilians population. These illegal activities have been well-documented and substantiated through various sources. In conjunction with this, it is important to note the dynamism and variability that characterizes the subject matter, some members of the East African Community Regional Force, including Burundi and Uganda, have illegally occupied areas of DRC territory.
The frustration levels had reached an alarming high due to the persisting sense of insecurity that lingered on in the aftermath of prolonged interventions, spanning almost a quarter of a century involving UN peacekeeping efforts within the region. Yet, violence continued to grow, the greed to profit from these Congolese minerals has resulted in 7.2 million people internally displaced with no adequate support. ( According to a UN report in March 2024.)
Through proxy militias, for example, Rwanda, Uganda continue to destabilise the local population, to gain further access to the valuable minerals and illegal occupation of land. This is the “war at the heart of Africa” happening right now.
The presence of this force posed yet another hurdle to the maintenance of security and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Under the prevailing conditions, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo was left with no choice but to vehemently reject the proposal for the renewal of the mandate of the East African Community Regional Force. The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) for 25 years in DRC have failed to tackle these external rebellions and armed conflicts which are tearing the people in the east of DRC , therefore decided to closed its mission in DRC. For example, "On 30 June, as agreed with the Government of the DRC, the Mission will complete its withdrawal from South Kivu marking the end of the first phase of its disengagement from the country." Despite the numerous instances of non-compliance with security protocol by MONUSCO ls in the volatile Kivu region, it is imperative to acknowledge the existence of positive outcomes as well during their mission . For example, the delivery of emergency food and medical supplies to the provision of long-term development projects and capacity-building initiatives, The document highlights the grave and deplorable actions that have been perpetrated against innocent Congolese , shining a harsh light on the injustices that continue to plague the DRC society... While some may argue that failures have overshadowed any progress made, it is crucial to recognize the complex interplay of factors at play in this tumultuous region. The continuous struggle for stability amidst varying interests and agendas has undoubtedly created a challenging environment for all involved parties. However, it is through understanding these intricate dynamics that we can begin to unravel the complexities of the situation and work towards fostering sustainable solutions. It is only by embracing the multifaceted nature of the issue at hand that we can hope to move forward towards a more secure and stable future for all. Why has the United Nations, MONUSCO chosen to depart now? Could there be a hidden agenda at play? It has been revealed that the existing administration in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has pledged loyalty to Rwanda, Uganda regimes a fact that has not yet been fully brought to light. Justice Congo group can prove this. The abundance of data collected overwhelmingly supports our claim, leaving no room for doubt or skepticism
Paul Kagame of Rwanda , didn't he declare during a press conference in Brussels that "no one will lead Congo without my agreement"? It is important to understand that Rwandan and Ugandan troops invaded Congo. It has been near 30 years since, and Uganda has gone so far as to arrogantly confirm this. The few examples being provided here , although they are just the tip of the iceberg.
In 2023 President Felix of DRC issued an ultimatum for the East African community force to leave the county. The first group of the Kenyan Contingent (KENCON) troops left on 3rd December 2023, after one year of deployment. But, did the government of Felix explain the measures and practices introduced to guarantee swift and effective actions to avoid the potential recurrence of the Easter Africa community force in any alternative manifestation? Despite previous rejection by the poeple of the Democratic Rep of Congo , the East Africa Community Force has once again returned to the scene. It is imperative that we address this issue with urgency.
The decision to deploy a military mission under the SADC's flag, SAMIDRC, to the Democratic Republic of Congo was met with enthusiasm from all parties involved, signalling a collective effort to assist the DRC in addressing its intricate web of internal and external security challenge.
Justice Congo Group is appealing to the UK and America government, in their role as a member of the Security Council, are actively engaged in collaborating closely with other United Nations Security Council members and the General Assembly to expedite the proposed assistance to the SAMIDRC as outlined in the 2746 UNSCR. It is imperative to enhance the multi-sector Official Development Assistance (ODA) portfolio for the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a specific emphasis on a comprehensive and sustainable long-term strategy encompassing stability, peace, human rights, governance, and security. Additionally, there is a pressing need to augment their contribution to the United Nations Mission (MONUSCO) to further enhance support to the SAMIDRC amid the backdrop of MONUSCO's phased disengagement in the DRC
The United Nations Security Council needs to expedite the bureaucratic processes to ensure the seamless execution of Security Council Resolution 2746 (2024). This can only be achieved through the provision of some financial and logistical assistance to the SAMIDRC. This support is necessary to enable the effective fulfilment of its Mandate, including the implementation of appropriate offensive measures against the M23
There is a pressing need for the inclusion of civilian components within the structure of SADC. These components must be equipped with the necessary resources to effectively address issues related to human rights, unarmed protection of civilians, and international humanitarian law.
There is one matter missing from the list of impressive activity with regard to the DRC. This is the failure to mention the need for urgent implementation of the all-important 2009 Mapping Report by Robert Garreton, commissioned by the United Nations and only partially published in 2010. It was partially published in the sense that the identities of the alleged perpetrators of the documented abuses – around 200 people, including several dozen high-level military and political officials in Rwanda, Uganda, DRC – do not appear in the public report, but are in a confidential database available to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
The Mapping Report contains details of 617 alleged violent incidents occurring in the DRC between March 1993 and June 2003, during the First and Second Congo Wars. At the time of publication, on 1 October 2010, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said: “The majority of the 617 documented acts of violence can be qualified as crimes against humanity and war crimes. Concerning the massacres targeting the Hutu populations between 1996 and 1997, the report indicates that the attacks committed by the Rwandan Patriotic Army (APR) and the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (AFDL) reveal several damning elements which, if proven in a competent court, could qualify as crimes of genocide”.
The Mapping Report contains a plan of action to deal with these appalling and gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, but till now no action has been taken to implement the recommendations of the Report. The Report has remained shelved by the United Nations.
02/09/2024. Urgent attention
The escalating human rights violations and destabilizing activities linked to the Rwandan government, both within its borders and in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).In light of these concerns, we urge that international organizations to consider advocating for Rwanda’s suspension or expulsion from the Commonwealth Rwanda’s ongoing and recent actions raise serious questions about its commitment to the core principles of the Commonwealth, particularly in terms of human rights, the rule of law, and regional stability. There is overwhelming evidence that Rwandan-backed forces, specifically the M23 rebel group, have been responsible for widespread atrocities in the DRC. These include the killing of civilians, forced displacement, and other forms of violence that have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region. Moreover, Rwanda’s involvement in the illegal exploitation of natural resources within the DRC is deeply troubling. This exploitation not only fuels the conflict but also undermines the sovereignty and economic stability of the DRC, contributing to long-term instability in the region. Such actions are in direct contravention of the principles of international law and the values that the Commonwealth is supposed to uphold. The Commonwealth has long stood for the promotion of human rights, democracy, and peaceful coexistence among nations. Rwanda’s actions, both domestically and internationally, are inconsistent with these values. If the Commonwealth is to maintain its integrity and moral authority, it cannot afford to ignore the gravity of these violations. We respectfully request that human rights institutions consider raising this issue within the Commonwealth and elsewhere and support measures that would lead to Rwanda’s suspension or expulsion from the organization until it demonstrates a genuine commitment to respecting human rights and ceases its destabilizing activities in the DRC.
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Impact of UK Rwanda Bill on DRC
On 22 April 2024 the Safety of Rwanda Bill (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024 became law in the UK. This legislation confirms Rwanda as a safe third country for the removal of individuals who have entered the UK Illegally. Despite this legal designation, it’s interesting to note that the UK government’s travel advice for its residents wishing to visit Rwanda states that “Terrorist a attacks in Rwanda cannot be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities”. The same guidance goes on to say that Same-sex sexual activity is not illegal in Rwanda but is frowned on by locals. LGBT+ travellers can experience discrimination and abuse, including from local authorities.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/rwanda/safety-and- security Therefore, the UK government’s stance on Rwanda may not solely reflect its status as a safe third country for the purpose of immigration enforcement. The UK government has confirmed that the first flight with a cohort of asylum seekers will take off in 10 to 12 weeks. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics- 68916456. The situation has caused significant anxiety, not only for those who may potentially be relocated to Rwanda but also for us, the residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Recently the Rwandan government has faced accusations of being involveding deadly attacks in the Eastern DRC. https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20240504-us-blames-Rwanda-for-deadly-attack-on-Dr-Congo-refugee-camp The attacks have displaced a lot of Congolese from their homes, and unfortunately the Congo government has failed to provide assistance for the displaced residents. Despite the ongoing conflict between Rwanda and the DRC, there remains free movement between the two countries. While the United Kingdom upholds freedom of speech, Rwanda does not share the same level of openness. Our concern lies in the potential challenges faced by individuals who might be sent to Rwanda. In a country where government control is extensive, adapting to such restrictions could prove difficult for those relocated. Consequently, some may seek refuge in neighbouring countries, with the DRC being the closest accessible option due to its free movement policy. This influx of asylum
seekers could strain essential resources in the DRC, including food, accommodation, and medical care. Additionally, reports from asylum seekers already in the UK have expressed concerns about the threats of being relocated to Rwanda. Some have even stated their
intention to harm themselves upon arrival. https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/05/i-will-kill-myself-on-arrival- Syrian-asylum-seeker-fears-Rwanda-will-not-be-safe These vulnerable individuals, having lost everything may react unpredictably once in Rwanda or if they cross over into the DRC. Furthermore, Rwanda’s population could increase significantly due to the arrival of
asylum seekers from the UK raising concerns of radicalisation occurring, potentially leading to involvement in conflicts within the Kivu province of the DRC.
Justice Congo Group Requesting for the Creation of Rwanda, M23, Alliance Fleuve Congo, Twirwaneho... war crimes tribunal
The latest massacre, crime against humanity to have occurred in DRC, North Kivu province by Rwanda army (RDF), M23, Alliance Fleuve Congo, Twirwaneho near Goma, the camps for displaced people in lac Vert and Mugunga where at least 12 people were killed and more other injured in a bomb blast on May 3, 2024. These activities fall under the criteria used for the definition of international crime. The United Nations Security Council should established the International Criminal court to deal with the ongoing act of genocide by Rwanda regime in DRC
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