France Pushes for UN Action Against Rwanda Over M23 Rebel Support in DRC

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France is rallying international support for a UN Security Council resolution that would explicitly identify Rwanda as a supporter of the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This comes in light of reports that up to 4,000 Rwandan troops are supporting M23's recent military advances, including their takeover of parts of Goma, the DRC's largest city.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the Rwandan defense forces to cease their support for the rebels and withdraw from DRC territory. His statement marks a significant acknowledgment of Rwanda's role in escalating violence in the region.

While France's ambassador to the UN, Nicolas de Rivière, has described Rwanda's actions as a serious threat to regional peace, practical measures to isolate Rwandan President Paul Kagame are still under discussion. In the past, sanctions have successfully pressured Rwanda to withdraw, particularly during a similar conflict in 2012.

The recent emergency security council meeting highlighted the need for the withdrawal of "external forces" but did not name Rwanda directly. British and American representatives have also urged for Kagame's retreat, although Western nations remain cautious about imposing immediate sanctions, given their historical ties with Rwanda.

In response to the escalating situation, Kenyan President William Ruto has called for an extraordinary summit of the East African Community. He expects both the DRC and Rwandan leaders to attend, though confirmation is pending.

Frustration persists among DRC representatives, who accuse Rwanda of plundering their mineral resources amidst the ongoing conflict. Rwandan officials, however, maintain that their presence in DRC is justified to protect the Congolese Tutsi community from rebel threats.

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