Rwanda accused of deploying surface to air missiles and jamming communication networks in DR Congo

Washington, through its latest report findings, accuses Rwanda of fueling conflicts in the Eastern Parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The United States is deeply concerned by the findings of the United Nations Group of Experts December 2024 midterm report on the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),” says Matthew Miller, the U.S Department of State spokesperson

According to Miller the report aligns with the United States’ findings and accurately identifies the sources of the conflict in the eastern DR Congo.

In the latest statement, the United States condemned the unlawful presence of several thousand Rwandan troops in the DR Congo, as well as Kigali’s support to and direction of the March 23 (M23) militia that have been sanctioned by both United Nations and United States.

Washington also condemns Rwanda’s use of surface-to-air missile systems, GPS-guided mortars, and anti-tank missiles. 

In connection with that, the United States ordered Rwanda and M23 rebels to immediately cease GPS jamming and spoofing activities, which continue to ground air operations and United Nations humanitarian flights in North Kivu. 

“These actions endanger the United Nations (UN) and humanitarian personnel while blocking needed relief for civilians suffering from the related violence.”

The United States also denounces what the report documents as the DR Congo armed forces’s continued “systematic” cooperation with the U.S and UN-sanctioned Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) armed group. 

The United States strongly urged the Congolese authorities to ensure this cooperation ceases immediately, and we welcome the DRC government’s pledge to work with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) to execute the FDLR neutralization plan in full respect for international humanitarian and human rights law. 

According to the U.S statement, there is no road to peace without dialogue between the government of the DR Congo and armed groups, including the March 23.