by héritier kazadi.

The recent statements by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot regarding the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have triggered a strong reaction from former Vice Prime Minister and current national deputy Léonard She Okitundu, as well as his party, the Social Democratic Green Party (PSDV).

In a statement issued on June 7, 2026, She Okitundu and his party hailed these international stances as a significant step forward in resolving the deepening security crisis plaguing the DRC’s eastern provinces. They emphasized that the growing international attention to the situation in North Kivu and South Kivu reflects a heightened awareness of the humanitarian and security challenges facing Congolese civilians. For the PSDV and its leader, this diplomatic momentum could catalyze peace restoration efforts in a region plagued by armed violence and mass displacements.

While She Okitundu and his party welcomed Marco Rubio’s firm stance—which included setting a deadline for Rwanda’s troop withdrawal—seeing it as a strong signal of U.S. commitment to respecting DRC’s sovereignty and regional stability, they criticized Maxime Prévot’s position. The Belgian foreign minister had suggested that Rwanda’s troop withdrawal should be tied to the neutralization of the FDLR rebels.

According to She Okitundu and the PSDV, this conditional approach could undermine the urgency of Rwanda’s obligations. They stressed that UN Security Council Resolution 2773 explicitly demands immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese soil. For them, this resolution remains the cornerstone of legal and diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting de-escalation in eastern DRC.

With insecurity persisting in conflict-affected zones, the PSDV and its leader are urging both national and international actors to maintain diplomatic pressure to ensure compliance with international commitments and facilitate the return of peace. They also reaffirm their commitment to defending DRC’s territorial integrity and advocate for a solution grounded in international law, regional cooperation, and strict adherence to UN resolutions.