Rwanda troops must leave DRC, stresses Congo’s She Okitundu as he backs American senator’s call
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s political landscape is witnessing a fresh wave of diplomatic engagement following recent remarks by international leaders on the contentious issue of Rwandan troops operating in eastern DRC. Léonard She Okitundu, former Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, alongside his party, the Parti Social-Démocrate Vert (PSDV), has publicly endorsed the stance of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio while sharply criticizing Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot’s position.
On June 7, 2026, She Okitundu and PSDV issued a joint statement hailing the growing international attention on the crisis in North-Kivu and South-Kivu provinces. They emphasized that the heightened focus reflects a critical recognition of the security and humanitarian challenges facing Congolese civilians displaced by years of armed conflict. The party and its leader believe this diplomatic momentum could pave the way for accelerated peace efforts in a region plagued by violence and mass displacements.
She Okitundu and PSDV particularly welcomed Senator Rubio’s declaration, which included a clear deadline for Rwanda’s complete withdrawal from Congolese territory. They view the American senator’s position as a robust affirmation of U.S. support for the sovereignty of the DRC and regional stability. In contrast, the party strongly rejects Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot’s call for a simultaneous withdrawal of Rwandan forces and neutralization of the FDLR rebel group.
According to She Okitundu and PSDV, Prévot’s proposal risks creating unnecessary delays in enforcing Rwanda’s obligations. They underline that United Nations Security Council Resolution 2773 mandates an immediate, unconditional withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese soil. For them, this resolution remains the cornerstone of any sustainable resolution to the escalating tensions in eastern DRC.
Faced with persistent insecurity in several conflict-affected zones, She Okitundu and PSDV are urging both national and international actors to maintain diplomatic pressure. Their goal is to ensure compliance with international commitments and facilitate the restoration of peace. The party and its leader reaffirm their commitment to defending the territorial integrity of the DRC and advocate for a solution grounded in international law, regional cooperation, and strict adherence to UN resolutions.
