Congo Withdraws Diplomats from Rwanda Amid Escalating Rebellion Threats
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Synopsis
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has decided to withdraw its diplomatic personnel from Rwanda following the advance of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebellion, exacerbating diplomatic tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali. The situation has raised concerns about regional stability and civilian safety.
Key Takeaways
- DRC recalls diplomats from Rwanda.
- M23 rebellion causes diplomatic tensions.
- International bodies express concern.
- Emergency UN Security Council meeting convened.
- Over 400,000 displaced in eastern DRC.
Kinshasa, Jan 27 (NationPress) The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has declared the withdrawal of its diplomatic personnel from Rwanda amid the escalating actions of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebellion, leading to increased diplomatic strains between Kinshasa and Kigali.
The DRC's foreign ministry issued a statement over the weekend, announcing the decision to withdraw its diplomats from Rwanda through a formal communication to the Rwandan Embassy in the DRC. It also requested the Rwandan embassy to halt all diplomatic and consular operations within 48 hours.
The DRC has accused Rwanda of providing support to the M23 rebels, while Rwanda has denied these claims and counter-accused the Congolese army of supporting remnants of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, which were responsible for the 1994 genocide.
Olivier JP Nduhungirehe, Rwanda's Foreign Minister, stated that the last Rwandan diplomat stationed in Kinshasa had already departed due to ongoing threats from DRC officials.
Recent advances by the M23 rebellion in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces have heightened tensions. The rebels have taken control of Sake, a town regarded as the last stronghold for government forces before Goma, the capital of North Kivu province and a crucial regional center.
The United Nations has announced a temporary relocation of non-essential staff from Goma, where panic has spread among the displaced residents.
Goma was under M23 control for 10 days back in 2012. Multiple foreign embassies have issued advisories urging their citizens to leave North Kivu, although airports and borders remain operational.
An emergency session of the UN Security Council is scheduled to take place on Sunday at the request of the DRC government. DRC army spokesman Sylvain Ekenge stated at a press conference on Saturday that the country's armed forces are striving to "repel the enemy."
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced deep concerns regarding the renewed clashes instigated by the M23.
Last week, his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, condemned the M23's resumed offensive since the beginning of the year, as well as its expansion into North and South Kivu provinces, including the recent takeover of Sake, according to reports from Xinhua.
With devastating civilian casualties and an increased threat of a larger regional conflict, Guterres has urged the M23 to halt its attacks immediately, withdraw from all seized territories, and adhere to the ceasefire agreement established last August.
Since the start of 2025, over 400,000 individuals have been displaced in eastern DRC, where confrontations between the Congolese army and armed groups have intensified.
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced on Saturday that Palestinian residents will not be permitted to return to their homes in the northern Gaza Strip for the time being.
This ban will remain in effect until the release of Israeli civilian Arbel Yehud, who was expected to be freed on Saturday but was not among the four Israelis released by Hamas.
The statement mentioned that Yehud's release was part of the second swap of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners following a deal that commenced last week.
Earlier on Saturday, Hamas released four female Israeli soldiers, Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy, who arrived at an Israeli military camp near the Gaza border in good health.
The army observers, aged between 19 and 20, were abducted by Hamas from the Israeli army's surveillance base at Nahal Oz on October 7, 2023, near the Gaza Strip border.
