Around 200 people marched in Brussels on Sunday afternoon, calling on the European Union to impose sanctions on the regime of Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
The protesters claim that the EU and the West are acting hypocritically, condemning the M23 group’s aggression in eastern Congo while continuing to support the Rwandan regime, which backs the rebels.
The situation in eastern Congo worsened in late January when M23 attacked and quickly took control of the city of Goma.
With Rwandan military support, the rebel group has captured large areas rich in natural resources and controls significant portions of North Kivu province, where Goma is located.
“It is well known that M23 benefits from Rwandan regime support and that Rwandan troops are on Congolese soil,” the demonstrators stated.
They added that while the EU supposedly condemns the aggression, it continues to support Rwanda by providing military equipment and entering into trade agreements, playing both arsonist and firefighter.
The protesters warned that after Goma, Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, could be the next target for rebels and Rwandan troops if urgent action is not taken.
“The Congolese are exhausted by this 30-year conflict,” they said, noting that thousands of people have been killed and crimes against humanity are committed daily for Congo’s resources.
“This must stop. The EU should cease all cooperation with Rwanda and impose sanctions on the country and its leaders.”
