Eastern DR Congo: Two MEPs condemn violence and call for sanctions against Rwanda

At a European Parliament plenary on October 20, Thierry Mariani and Hilde Vautmans condemned continuing violence in eastern DR Congo and called for sanctions against Rwanda, which is accused of supporting the AFC/M23. Mariani accused Kigali of militarily occupying the DRC and plundering its mineral wealth, while criticizing the EU for insufficient firmness and cooperation with Rwanda. Citing the UN Mapping Report on violations in the DRC from 1993 to 2003, he called for sanctions against Paul Kagame and members of his circle. Vautmans voiced concern over Joseph Kabila’s rapprochement with the rebels, whom the former president reportedly renamed the Front for Refoundation (FRN) and took the lead of.