DRC : Suspension of all agreements and conventions with Rwanda
President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi participated in a crisis meeting in his capacity as the supreme commander of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Congolese National Police, on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, in Kinshasa.
An extraordinary meeting of the High Defense Council, extended to the presidents of both chambers of Parliament and security service leaders.
The meeting focused on the security situation in the eastern part of the DRC, particularly in North Kivu, which has been subject to systematic pillaging by the M23 terrorists with the support of Rwanda.
During this meeting, significant decisions were made, including the revocation of all agreements and conventions signed with Rwanda under Paul Kagame’s leadership. « The Democratic Republic of Congo is determined to defend every square centimeter of its territory. Drawing consequences from this situation and following the meeting on May 27th, the High Defense Council reiterated the demand for Rwanda to immediately withdraw its troops under the guise of M23 terrorists from Congolese soil; as well as the request for the Congolese government to suspend all protocols of agreements and conventions concluded with Rwanda », the statement issued at the conclusion of the meeting stated.
Furthermore, the High Defense Council praised the peace and mediation efforts led by Angolan President Joao Lourenço within the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (CIRGL) and by the Kenyan president within the East African Community.
It urged the government to immediately address the needs of the distressed population, victims of the barbaric acts that will not go unpunished. Additionally, it encouraged the government to provide the necessary means to the loyalist forces to ensure the defense and integrity of the national territory.
As a reminder, Wednesday’s meeting comes after the occupation of the border town of Bunagana earlier in the week by M23 rebels with the alleged support of Rwandan authorities according to Kinshasa. Demonstrations and protests have since been recorded both domestically and internationally.
