By The Inspirer.

Rwanda has called on the United Nations to support diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing the longstanding security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva highlighting the threat posed by the FDLR and the involvement of armed groups and mercenaries in the region.

Nsengiyumva made the remarks while delivering Rwanda’s statement at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23, where he represented President Paul Kagame. The UN General Assembly’s high-level general debate is taking place from September 22 to 26.

The Prime Minister said the security crisis in eastern DRC has deep-rooted political and security dimensions that cannot be resolved through military means alone.

He said the FDLR, a Rwandan armed group operating in eastern DRC, remains a major security concern for Rwanda, alleging that it has continued to spread genocide ideology, engage in violent activities and pose a threat along Rwanda’s border.

Nsengiyumva also alleged that the FDLR works with Burundian forces, Congolese armed groups and mercenaries operating in eastern DRC. Rwanda has repeatedly cited the presence and activities of the FDLR as a security concern.

“The roots of these problems are political, problems that have existed for quite some time, and their solution is political,” Nsengiyumva said, according to reports of his address.

Rwanda backs Washington and Doha peace processes

The Prime Minister said Rwanda supports ongoing diplomatic initiatives seeking to end the conflict in eastern DRC, including the Washington process between Rwanda and the DRC and the Doha talks between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23.

He called on the international community, including the UN Security Council, to support the peace processes and encourage all parties to honour their commitments.

Nsengiyumva also recognised the roles of US President Donald Trump, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and African Union mediator and Togo President Faure Gnassingbé in supporting the diplomatic efforts.

He said lasting peace would require addressing the underlying causes of the conflict and resolving the issues affecting the countries and communities involved.

The Prime Minister also criticised the international community’s approach to crises, arguing that the UN has often been more effective at responding to crises after they emerge than preventing them.

“Too often, the United Nations has been more effective at responding to crises than anticipating them,” he said, according to reports of his address.

Nsengiyumva meets Guterres

On the sidelines of the General Assembly, Nsengiyumva met UN Secretary-General António Guterres for discussions that included the security situation in the Great Lakes region and Rwanda-UN relations.

The two officials also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and advance areas of mutual interest, according to reports from the meeting.

The discussions come as regional and international actors continue to pursue parallel diplomatic tracks aimed at ending the conflict in eastern DRC, including the Washington and Doha processes.

The DRC government has also said it is taking measures concerning the FDLR, including the repatriation of 120 people associated with the group on September 8 with support from MONUSCO. Kinshasa has argued that the FDLR issue should no longer be used to justify a foreign military presence on Congolese territory.

Rwanda, meanwhile, continues to argue that the security threat posed by the FDLR and its alleged cooperation with other armed actors must be addressed as part of any lasting regional peace settlement.