The Democratic Republic of Congo has called on the UN Security Council to suspend the participation of Rwandan troops in peace operations until their withdrawal from Congolese territory is verified. This demand was made by DRC's Ambassador to the UN, Zénon Mukongo, during the 10,232nd meeting of the Security Council on September 29, 2026. Mukongo stated that Rwanda has failed to comply with its obligations under UN Resolution 2773, adopted in February 2025.
Resolution 2773 demands that the M23 cease hostilities and withdraw from controlled areas, while also calling on Rwandan Defense Forces to stop supporting the M23 and withdraw unconditionally from Congolese territory. Mukongo emphasized that the Security Council cannot tolerate members that act as both firefighters and arsonists in peacekeeping operations. He stressed that the implementation of these obligations directly affects the authority and credibility of the Security Council.
Mukongo highlighted the DRC's commitment to its engagements in the Doha and Washington processes. He cited recent verification missions conducted in Minembwe, South Kivu, and Masisi, North Kivu, as part of the expanded joint verification mechanism. Additionally, he mentioned the signing of a protocol on the disarmament, demobilization, and cantonment of FDLR combatants on May 30, 2026, aimed at facilitating their return to Rwanda.
The DRC has requested that the Security Council and MONUSCO actively support and verify the disarmament process of FDLR combatants. This request aligns with Kinshasa's previous stance at the Security Council, emphasizing the full implementation of Resolution 2773 and MONUSCO's role in monitoring the ceasefire. Mukongo also condemned a recent drone strike by Rwandan Defense Forces on a Congolese position in Pinga, which reportedly killed five people and injured eight others.
The drone strike, which occurred on September 28, 2026, was carried out using a TB2 drone. Mukongo called for an investigation into the incident, to be conducted by the expanded joint verification mechanism with MONUSCO's support. He also requested that the Security Council condemn ceasefire violations. Furthermore, Mukongo denounced the establishment of parallel administrations in areas controlled by the M23/AFC.
The M23/AFC has been accused of displacing and transferring populations, according to Kinshasa. Resolution 2773 specifically condemns the establishment of parallel administrative structures on Congolese territory. The DRC has emphasized the need for a capable MONUSCO to contribute to civilian protection, ceasefire monitoring, and the disarmament process of FDLR combatants.
The situation in the DRC remains volatile, with ongoing concerns about the presence of foreign troops and armed groups. The DRC's demand for the suspension of Rwandan troops from peace operations reflects its concerns about Rwanda's compliance with UN resolutions. The international community is closely watching the situation, with the Security Council set to continue its deliberations on the matter.
Key points
- The DRC demands suspension of Rwandan troops from UN peace operations until their withdrawal from Congolese territory is verified.
- The UN Security Council has been urged to condemn ceasefire violations and support the disarmament process of FDLR combatants.
- The situation in the DRC remains volatile, with concerns about foreign troops and armed groups.
