Request for the Suspension of RDF from UN Peacekeeping Missions and the Imposition of Sanctions

Washington DC,
January 26, 2025

To the President
United Nations Security Council
United Nations Headquarters
New York, NY, USA

Subject: Request for the Suspension of RDF from UN Peacekeeping Missions and the Imposition of Sanctions

Dear Mr. President,

The Movement for the Republic and Democracy (MRD) wishes to draw the attention of the United Nations Security Council to an alarming situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Independent investigations, including those conducted by United Nations experts, have established that the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) are waging war against the DRC under the guise of the puppet and terrorist group M23.

This war, which includes direct confrontations with UN peacekeepers deployed in the DRC, represents a blatant violation of DRC’s sovereignty, a serious threat to regional peace and stability, and a direct challenge to the fundamental principles of the United Nations.

Furthermore, the participation of RDF in UN peacekeeping missions raises significant concerns. Not only do these forces exploit resources provided within the framework of these missions for purposes contrary to the UN’s objectives, but they also use their presence in host countries to pursue, assassinate, and destabilize Rwandan refugees. This misuse of peacekeeping missions undermines the integrity of the United Nations and exacerbates violations of human rights on an international scale.

In light of this situation, the MRD calls on the Security Council to take the following actions:

1. Immediately suspend all contracts and missions involving the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) within UN peacekeeping operations.
2. Impose targeted sanctions against the Rwandan military and political authorities responsible for the war in the DRC and for supporting M23.
3. Implement the recommendations of UN investigations, including concrete measures against individuals and entities identified as perpetrators of violations of international law.
4. Strengthen mechanisms for monitoring troop contributions to UN missions to ensure that no forces implicated in conflicts or serious violations are deployed under the UN’s banner.

The MRD strongly condemns Rwanda’s use of M23 as a tool for destabilization and war in the DRC and urges the Security Council to take immediate and decisive action to end impunity and restore peace in the Great Lakes region.

We remain available for any discussions or collaboration aimed at resolving this critical situation.

Please accept, Mr. President, the expression of our highest consideration.

Rev. Christine Coleman
President
Movement for the Republic and Democracy (MRD)

Copy for information to :

• Secretary-General of the United Nations
• European Union (EU)
• Southern African Development Community (SADC)
• East African Community (EAC)
• President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mr. Félix Tshisekedi
• President of the Republic of Uganda, Mr. Yoweri Museveni
• President of the Republic of Burundi, Mr. Évariste Ndayishimiye
• President of the Republic of Kenya, Mr. William Ruto
• President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Ms. Samia Suluhu Hassan
• President of the Republic of Angola, Mr. João Lourenço
• President of the Republic of South Sudan, Mr. Salva Kiir Mayardit