The Democratic Republic of Congo has issued a strong ultimatum to the UN Security Council, demanding immediate action to address the escalating crisis in the country. Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner warned on Tuesday that if the Council fails to act, public outrage will take over, as fighting between government forces and M23 rebels continues to intensify, leaving hundreds dead, injured, or displaced.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has issued a stark ultimatum to the United Nations Security Council, demanding immediate action to address the worsening crisis in the country. Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner warned that if the Council fails to act, “then it is the street that is going to take charge.”
Speaking at a Security Council session on Tuesday, Wagner accused Rwandan forces of committing war crimes with impunity, claiming that international inaction has emboldened Kigali. She described the situation as dire, with over 500,000 people displaced and more than 100 injured in just the past 24 hours.
She called for urgent measures, including the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops, targeted sanctions on Rwanda’s military leadership, an embargo on natural resources, and Rwanda’s removal as a UN troop contributor. Wagner urged the Council to show courage, warning that its failure to act would mark a historic moment of « powerlessness and indifference. »
The crisis has intensified following claims by M23 rebels allegedly backed by Rwanda that they have taken control of parts of eastern Goma. Meanwhile, Kinshasa insists that Rwandan forces are actively involved. Fighting between the Congolese army and rebels has left at least 34 people dead, with hundreds more injured.
As the humanitarian situation deteriorates, pressure is mounting on the UN and regional bodies to respond ahead of an upcoming East African Community meeting. With tensions at a breaking point, all eyes are now on how the regional and international community will react.
