Deepening Crisis in East Africa: Rwanda and DRC at Razors Edge

March 21, 2025

(3 Minutes Read)

The M23 rebel group, which has been accused of occupying parts of the DRC with support from Rwanda, remains a central issue. According to Mariani, there is no longer any debate about whether the M23 is a terrorist group with ties to the Rwandan government.

The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has recently reached a turning point, with the United Nations officially acknowledging the role of the Rwandan army and the M23 rebel group in the occupation and looting of parts of the country.

In a historic resolution passed today, the UN held both the Rwandan military and the M23 responsible for the escalating crisis. The European Union has, at last, recognised this undeniable truth. But for many, the question remains: why did it take so long?

Thierry Mariani, a Member of the European Parliament, pointed out that this reality has been well-known for some time, yet the EU has remained slow to act. He raised concerns about the long-standing political ties between Rwanda and the EU, suggesting that a “friendship” or lobbying efforts within the Union may have contributed to the delay in addressing the issue.

Mariani pointed to reports calling Rwanda the “darling” of the European Union, asking why the EU regularly criticizes African nations for flaws in their democratic processes while simultaneously praising Rwanda, where President Paul Kagame won his latest election with a controversial 99.13% of the vote.