DRC Communications Minister Condemns International Inaction on Rwanda’s Resource Plundering
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Minister of Communication and Media, and government spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, has denounced the international community’s failure to act against Rwanda’s alleged exploitation of Congolese resources.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the National Civil Society Consultation Framework (CCNSC-RDC) on February 18, 2025, at the Pullman Hotel in Kinshasa, Muyaya condemned Rwanda as an aggressor state.
“Rwanda continues to defile our ancestral land, systematically plundering our resources, violating our women, and massacring our peaceful population—all under the indifferent gaze of the international community.
Despite multiple condemnations from international bodies and some nations, the imposed sanctions remain weak and insufficient,” Muyaya stated.
He emphasized the need for national unity, describing the DRC as a diverse nation where cultural richness fuels democracy. “The greatest threat to our enemies is our ability to unite our diversity into a formidable force for peace and security,” he added.
Muyaya urged civil society leaders to mobilize citizens and spread a message of resilience. “Your commitment and solidarity will determine our collective victory.
Take this message to your colleagues across the provinces—reaffirming the dedication of the Head of State and the Prime Minister, who are tirelessly working to restore peace. Together, we will overcome these challenges and build a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous Congo.”
The CCNSC-RDC plenary session, organized in collaboration with the Community Dynamics for Social Cohesion and Development (DYCOD-RDC), gathered provincial presidents from 19 out of 26 provinces.
Over three days (February 18-20), participants will discuss governance improvements, reinforce partnerships with state and financial stakeholders, and assess the security, social, and political situation.
A key focus is defining the future leadership of the consultation framework, as the mandates of national facilitators near expiration. The discussions will also explore civil society’s role in addressing the ongoing security crisis, ensuring a unified national response to external aggression.
Reiterating the urgency of the situation, Muyaya underscored that the DRC is facing an “obvious and brutal aggression” by Rwanda.
The CCNSC-RDC has condemned the illegal occupation of North and South Kivu by the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) and the M23 rebel group, urging the Congolese government to take decisive action.
The plenary and committee discussions continue on February 19-20 at the Africana Palace Hotel, with broad provincial representation supported by DYCOD-RDC.
