Rwanda’s Ambassador to UN Says DRC Insecurity Stems from Internal Problems

Kigali, March 8, 2026 - Rwanda’s Ambassador to Switzerland and the United Nations in Geneva, Urujeni Bakuramutsa, told the UN Human Rights Council on March 3, 2026, that the ongoing insecurity in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is largely caused by internal governance and institutional problems within the country.

Speaking on the situation in the Great Lakes region, Ambassador Bakuramutsa noted that more than 160 armed groups operate in the DRC, particularly in the eastern provinces, where instability has persisted for over 30 years.

“In eastern DRC, the problem of insecurity has been ongoing for decades, driven by deep-seated internal and institutional issues,” he said. He added that insecurity is not confined to the east but has spread to other areas, including near Kinshasa, where groups such as Mobondo are active, illustrating systemic governance challenges.

Addressing accusations that Rwanda supports the M23 armed group, Ambassador Bakuramutsa emphasized that M23 is composed of Congolese fighters who have taken up arms due to political and security problems in the DRC, and that the primary responsibility to resolve these issues lies with the DRC government through political measures.

He also criticized the DRC government for continuing to support the FDLR terrorist group, formed by members of the defeated army (Ex-FAR) and Interahamwe, who were responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Ambassador Bakuramutsa noted that despite the June 2025 peace agreement, reinforced in December 2025, the DRC has failed to dismantle the FDLR and has even integrated members into its military, contravening UN Security Council resolutions.

Ambassador Bakuramutsa called for a thorough analysis of the root causes of insecurity in the Great Lakes region to determine the responsibilities of each country and to guide solutions for lasting peace.