DRC Foreign Minister Urges International Action Against Rwanda’s Support for M23 at UN Security Council
During an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Sunday, January 27, 2025, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), strongly condemned what she described as a “systematic and coordinated strategy” orchestrated by Rwanda, involving its support for the M23 terrorist group.
The escalating violence in eastern DRC, including attacks on civilians and peacekeepers, has prompted global powers to respond, emphasizing the far-reaching geopolitical and economic consequences of the crisis.
Russia, represented by Vasily Nebenzia, called for an immediate halt to hostilities, underscoring the destabilizing effect of the illegal exploitation of natural resources on the region’s stability. Meanwhile, China stressed the need to protect civilian populations, regardless of the M23’s objectives.
These positions reflect a rare, unified international stance condemning both the violence in the DRC and Rwanda’s role in supporting the terrorists, which has had devastating effects on civilians.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping, reiterated the urgency for a decisive response to restore the conditions necessary for political negotiations, urging the Security Council to act swiftly to prevent irreversible damage.
Beyond the humanitarian crisis, the conflict poses significant strategic economic challenges, not only for the DRC but for the global economy.
The eastern region of the country, the conflict’s epicenter, is rich in critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, and coltan, which are vital for global technological advancements and energy transitions.
As the world’s largest producer of cobalt, the DRC plays a central role in supplying the materials necessary for electric vehicle batteries and other green technologies.
Instability in this region jeopardizes access to these resources, causing increased volatility in international markets. This is particularly concerning as major economic powers seek to reduce their reliance on unstable supply chains.
In response to the crisis, the DRC has proposed a series of critical measures to the Security Council, including the imposition of targeted sanctions against Rwandan officials, an embargo on minerals originating from Rwanda, and the revocation of Rwanda’s status as a contributor to UN peacekeeping missions.
These actions are intended to disrupt the economic networks fueling armed groups and reinforce the DRC’s sovereignty over its natural resources.
This conflict represents not only a humanitarian catastrophe for the Congolese people but also a significant threat to global market stability and the energy transition goals of major nations. As Kayikwamba Wagner emphasized, the struggle for peace in the DRC is intricately tied to the pursuit of a sustainable economic future, where mineral wealth is leveraged for development rather than destruction.
In her poignant speech, Wagner reminded the international community that history will remember the decisions made at this crucial juncture.
The Security Council session serves as a pivotal moment for the world to choose between passive complicity and active solidarity in support of peace and sustainable development.
