Following the summon by the European Union, Rwanda wishes to share the following response: Rwanda shares the EU’s view that a political solution and direct dialogue with all actors involved is the only viable path forward.
We fully support the joint EAC-SADC summit, endorsed by the AU summit, which calls for a cessation of hostilities and establishes a framework for a direct dialogue between all parties, including the M23. This will allow for the neutralisation of the DRC-backed FDR, the withdrawal of all foreign forces in eastern DRC, and the lifting of Rwanda defensive measures.
We are urging the EU to apply the same pressure on all parties involved so that a ceasefire can be attained. Rwanda deplores the EU’s selective approach to this crisis and the absence of equal pressure on Kinshasa for its role in escalating the conflict. Ceasefire cannot be held on only one of the parties involved directly or indirectly.
The European Union yesterday summoned the ambassador of Rwanda to the EU due to the ongoing offensive of M23 in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). (End)