France Condemns Rwanda's Role in DRC Conflict, Calls for Dialogue

France has strongly criticized Rwanda’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot expressed solidarity with the DRC during his arrival at the Council of European Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels.

“France strongly condemns the offensive led by the M23, backed by the Rwandan armed forces, which has led to the death of six peacekeepers and the displacement of several thousand people,” Barrot stated. He emphasized the need for an immediate halt to the fighting and a return to dialogue.

The condemnation comes in the wake of a swift offensive by the M23 rebels, who announced on Sunday that they had captured Goma, a strategically important city in the DRC’s mineral-rich eastern region. The advance has displaced thousands of civilians, exacerbating fears of a potential regional conflict.

The United Nations Security Council responded to the escalating violence by urging M23 rebels to cease their attack and halt their advance toward Goma. The situation has drawn international attention, with calls for a peaceful resolution to prevent further humanitarian and security crises in the region.