Strengthening Defence: Rwanda’s Commitment Amidst Eruptions in Eastern DRC

In a recent statement, Ernest Rwamucyo, Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, articulated the country’s position relative to security in the region, emphasizing the country’s need to reinforce its defense systems. Rwamucyo’s comments follow increasing hostilities in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as he addressed the UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday, noting that Rwanda “has no choice but to strengthen its defence and will continue to do so.”

Eastern DRC has a long history of insecurity, with armed conflict, militia groups, and humanitarian crises creating instability in the region. Rebel groups have been repairing and attacking both government forces and local militias in recent years. The instability has had knock-on effects in neighbouring countries, including Rwanda, which borders the DRC in the restive Kivu region. Rwanda’s involvement in the DRC’s security situation has attracted international attention, with accusations of it backing certain armed groups. For now – Rwanda maintains that it has a vested interest in keeping peace.

Rwamucyo’s comments during the Security Council meeting emphasized Rwanda’s unchanging determination to defend its sovereignty. The ongoing instability in Eastern DRC presents a constant threat to the security of Rwanda and the wider region, and has created a multifaceted geopolitical environment for the country. Rwanda neighbours this turbulent region, so the Rwandan government has stated that it will not be waiting for others to solve these problems.

The United Nations Security Council has repeatedly called for dialogue and peaceful solutions to the conflict in the DRC, but Rwamucyo’s statement reflects Rwanda’s frustration at always being told to keep the peace as the region’s responsible actor, while receiving little reward for doing so. Eastern DRC continues to bear the brunt of this humanitarian toll, now affecting thousands of displaced people, human rights abuses and the disruption of vital services. Rwamucyo added that Rwanda remains committed to diplomacy and multilateral engagement, but also acknowledged the need to act resolutely in protection of its people and its territory.