DRC Delegation at Pan-African Parliament Demands Rwandan Troop Withdrawal
The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has reaffirmed its solidarity with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the face of ongoing conflict in the eastern region of the country. The Central Africa Regional Caucus, led by Chairperson Felix Mpozoreniga, along with the DRC delegation including Hon. Djoli Esengekeli Jacques, Hon. Sakata Tawab Garry, Hon. Wa Ngoie Mukalay Marie Therese, Hon. Sen. Alphonse Ngoyi Kasanji, and Hon. Sen. Christine Mwando Katempa, actively participated in bringing the motion to committees and subsequently declaration of solidarity and call for cessation of hostilities in the eastern DRC.
During parliamentary committee sittings last week , the delegation emphasized the urgency of addressing the escalating violence in eastern DRC, where armed attacks, allegedly carried out by Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) and their proxies, have led to significant humanitarian crises. The legislators painted a horrific picture where sexual violence against women and children, summary executions, the destruction of entire villages, and the forced displacement of thousands of families has become normalised in eastern DRC.
The delegation condemned the reported Rwandan involvement in destabilizing the DRC and called on African states to denounce these actions. They highlighted that such aggression undermines the principle of territorial integrity, a cornerstone of the African Union’s values.
Furthermore, they urged African nations to demand the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory and to recognize Rwanda’s alleged exploitation of the DRC’s natural resources as a driver of the conflict. They emphasized that Rwanda’s economic growth should not be built on the looting, killings, and violations of the Congolese people.
The DRC delegation expressed gratitude to the Pan-African Parliament and its members for their support and stressed the need for concrete actions to restore peace and stability in the region.
