Significant diplomatic movements regarding the presence of Rwandan forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo have prompted a strong response from Léonard She Okitundu, the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Currently serving as a national deputy, She Okitundu and his political party, the Parti social-démocrate vert (PSDV), have formally endorsed the firm position taken by United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while expressing deep disagreement with the approach suggested by Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot.
International mobilization and regional stability
In a public statement, She Okitundu and the PSDV highlighted that the increasing focus from international partners represents a major advancement in finding a lasting solution to the security crisis in the East. They noted that the global community’s attention on the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu demonstrates a growing awareness of the humanitarian and security threats facing Congolese citizens. The PSDV believes this diplomatic pressure could be the key to accelerating peace efforts in a region devastated by armed violence and massive population displacement.
Endorsing the American timeline for withdrawal
The PSDV leadership specifically applauded the declarations made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who called for a clear deadline for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory. She Okitundu views this as a decisive signal of the United States’ commitment to the sovereignty of the RDC and the overall stability of the region. This firm stance is seen as a necessary step to ensure that international borders are respected.
Opposition to Belgian conditions
In contrast, the party strongly criticized the position of Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot. The Belgian diplomat suggested a “simultaneity” between the departure of Rwandan forces and the neutralization of the FDLR. For Léonard She Okitundu and the PSDV, this linkage is dangerous, as it could serve as a pretext for Rwanda to delay its withdrawal obligations.
They reminded international observers that UN Security Council Resolution 2773 explicitly demands the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Rwandan military personnel from the RDC. This resolution serves as the fundamental legal framework for de-escalating the conflict, and the PSDV insists it must be followed without additional caveats.
Upholding territorial integrity
As armed clashes persist in several affected zones, the PSDV and its leader are calling on both domestic and international actors to maintain rigorous diplomatic pressure. They argue that peace can only be secured through the strict application of international law, regional cooperation, and the full implementation of United Nations mandates. The party remains steadfast in its defense of the territorial integrity of the RDC.
