The Democratic Republic of Congo’s political landscape has been stirred by two contrasting international responses regarding the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from its territory. Léonard She Okitundu, former Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, and his party, the Parti social-démocrate vert (PSDV), have voiced strong support for the stance taken by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio while sharply criticizing Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot’s remarks.

Diplomatic reactions highlight divergent approaches to regional stability

In a recent statement, She Okitundu and the PSDV hailed Rubio’s declaration, which emphasized an immediate withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese soil. They view this position as a decisive step toward upholding the Democratic Republic of Congo’s sovereignty and fostering stability in the Great Lakes region. The Congolese leader and his political formation argue that Rubio’s stance reflects a growing international awareness of the humanitarian and security crises plaguing the eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu.

The PSDV and She Okitundu have underscored that the escalating violence and mass displacement in these regions demand urgent diplomatic intervention. They believe Rubio’s call for a fixed timeline for troop withdrawal sends a clear message to Rwanda and the international community about the urgency of resolving the conflict.

Belgian proposal draws sharp rebuke from Congolese officials

However, the group strongly condemned Prévot’s suggestion that the withdrawal of Rwandan troops should be tied to the neutralization of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). According to She Okitundu and the PSDV, this approach could create unnecessary delays in implementing the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2773, which demands an unconditional and immediate withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory.

The resolution, adopted by the UN, remains the cornerstone of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in eastern Congo. She Okitundu and the PSDV insist that any deviation from this framework risks undermining the peace process and prolonging the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire of ongoing hostilities.

Call for unified international action to restore peace

Highlighting the persistent insecurity in conflict-affected zones, the PSDV and its leader are urging both national and international actors to maintain pressure on Rwanda to comply with its international obligations. They emphasize the need to defend Congo’s territorial integrity and advocate for a solution grounded in international law, regional cooperation, and adherence to UN resolutions.

She Okitundu and the PSDV have reiterated their commitment to peace, calling for a collective effort to restore security and stability in eastern Congo. They argue that only a unified diplomatic front can ensure the withdrawal of foreign troops and pave the way for lasting peace in the region.