An op-ed by Jonas Eugène Kota
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is enduring a humanitarian catastrophe of staggering proportions, yet the international community continues to respond with symbolic gestures rather than decisive action. The situation demands not just condemnation but concrete measures to hold perpetrators accountable and restore peace.
A year of escalating atrocities
Since the signing of the Washington Agreement in June 2027, the DRC has witnessed a relentless surge in violence. In the past three months alone, over 300 civilians have been killed in attacks attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an ISIS-affiliated militia operating in the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu. Notably, on July 27, 2025, an ADF assault on a church in Komanda resulted in at least 43 deaths, including 19 women and 9 children. In August, the ADF massacred over 60 individuals attending a funeral in Ntoyo, employing machetes and firearms in a brutal display of violence.
These incidents are not isolated. They are part of a broader pattern of systematic violence that has displaced millions and left countless others in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
The role of Rwanda: Acknowledgment and accountability
In February 2024, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, formally recognized Rwanda as a « power occupying » force in the DRC. This designation underscores Rwanda’s direct involvement in supporting the M23 rebel group, which has been implicated in numerous human rights abuses, including mass executions, sexual violence, and the recruitment of child soldiers.
Despite this acknowledgment, Rwanda has faced minimal consequences. The international community’s response has been limited to diplomatic statements and targeted sanctions, which have proven ineffective in curbing the violence or compelling Rwanda to cease its support for the M23.
The hypocrisy of inaction
The disparity between the United Nations’ legal findings and its actions is glaring. While the UN has classified Rwanda’s involvement as an occupation, it has failed to implement measures commensurate with this designation. The Security Council’s inability to enforce its resolutions and the reluctance to establish an independent commission of inquiry reflect a broader pattern of inaction that emboldens aggressors and undermines international law.
This hypocrisy is not just a diplomatic failing; it is a moral one. The international community’s reluctance to confront Rwanda directly has allowed the cycle of violence to continue unabated, with devastating consequences for the Congolese people.
A call for justice and accountability
The time for symbolic sanctions and diplomatic niceties has passed. The international community must take concrete steps to hold Rwanda accountable for its actions in the DRC. This includes:
- Implementing comprehensive sanctions targeting individuals and entities associated with the M23 and the Rwandan military’s involvement in the conflict.
- Establishing an independent international commission of inquiry to investigate and document human rights abuses, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.
- Providing robust support for the Congolese government’s efforts to restore peace and stability, including assistance for displaced populations and the rebuilding of affected communities.
- Engaging regional actors to foster a collective approach to peace that addresses the underlying causes of the conflict and promotes long-term stability.
The people of the DRC deserve more than words; they deserve action. It is time for the international community to move beyond symbolic gestures and take meaningful steps to end the violence and bring justice to those who have suffered.
