Diplomatic reactions highlight contrasting views on rwandan troop presence in eastern DRC
Recent statements by international officials regarding the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have drawn sharp reactions from Léonard She Okitundu, former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, and his political party, the Parti Social-Démocrate Vert (PSDV). The comments came in response to remarks made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot on June 7, 2026.
She Okitundu and PSDV leadership view the growing international attention to the crisis in the DRC’s North-Kivu and South-Kivu provinces as a critical step toward addressing the region’s deepening security and humanitarian challenges. They argue that this heightened diplomatic engagement could significantly accelerate peace restoration efforts in an area plagued by armed violence and mass displacement.
Positive reception for Marco Rubio’s stance
The former Congolese foreign minister and his party strongly applauded Marco Rubio’s call for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory. They interpret this position as a clear endorsement of the DRC’s sovereignty and a commitment to regional stability. According to She Okitundu and PSDV, Rubio’s firm timeline sends a powerful signal of U.S. support for international law and the territorial integrity of the DRC.
Criticism of Maxime Prévot’s position
In contrast, the PSDV and its leader have sharply criticized Maxime Prévot’s proposal, which suggests tying the withdrawal of Rwandan forces to the neutralization of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). They argue that this linkage could serve as a pretext for delaying Rwanda’s obligations under international law. She Okitundu emphasizes that UN Security Council Resolution 2773 mandates an immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Rwandan troops, making any conditional approach legally and diplomatically unsound.
Call for sustained diplomatic pressure
With persistent insecurity in multiple conflict-affected zones, She Okitundu and the PSDV are urging national and international actors to maintain diplomatic pressure to ensure compliance with international commitments. They reaffirm their commitment to defending the DRC’s territorial integrity and advocate for a solution grounded in international law, regional cooperation, and adherence to UN resolutions.
